Premier David Eby has appointed two parliamentary secretaries to support the work on key government priorities to grow the economy, deliver good jobs and strengthen services for British Columbians.

Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs in the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth. Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for primary care access in the Ministry of Health.

“British Columbia is facing big challenges and even bigger opportunities, from strengthening our health-care system to growing good-paying jobs through the major defence and aerospace projects coming our way,” Premier Eby said. “Darlene and Stephanie bring deep experience, strong relationships and a proven commitment to public service to these new roles. These are the skills we need to make sure B.C.’s workers are qualified for good jobs with higher pay and that people get the primary care they need, when they need it.”

Rotchford previously served as parliamentary secretary for labour and as the provincial government’s military liaison.

“Our military keeps people in B.C. and across the globe safe and is a key player in our economic growth in areas like aerospace, technology and building,” Rotchford said. “As a military wife and a community member, I look forward to taking on this role and advocating for our hard-working forces members, families and veterans, and growing our economic capability through this work.”

Rotchford will build relationships with military organizations in the province and align skills training with emerging national defence needs. The Province’s Look West strategy aligns skills training with major projects, and some of the industries the government is looking to grow are aerospace, ship-building and defence. These are also areas in which Ottawa has signalled it will increase spending.

Higginson, after serving as chair of the government caucus, will support Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, in delivering on ensuring British Columbians are receiving the primary care they need when they need it most.

“Our government is laser-focused on building up the services people rely on most, and the importance of strong and accessible primary care cannot be overstated,” Higginson said. “I know that people in my riding and across B.C. care deeply about reliable access to primary care, and I’m eager and ready to work with Minister Osborne on this crucial part of our health-care system.”

Higginson will work specifically on boosting primary care access throughout the province through community health centres and team-based care, in rural and remote communities. Strengthening health care is a key component of drawing more workers to British Columbia.