Prior to being reappointed as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, he served as Minister of Natural Resource Operations, Minister of Energy, and Minister of Agriculture and Lands.

He previously served as Minister of Natural Resource Operations and Minister of Energy, and Minister of Agriculture and Lands.

Thomson is the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council and has developed his career and experience working on behalf of British Columbia farmers and ranchers. He has served as general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association. He has also served as a director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan Innovation Fund and the BC BioEnergy Network.

He has a great love of sports and had a long career in rugby including the opportunity to play for the Canadian National Rugby Team. Current interests include golf, gardening and being an ardent rugby fan.

Steve is a husband, father and grandfather. He is married to Brenda and has three children and five grandchildren.