New parliamentary secretaries for armed forces, primary care announced in B.C.

Premier David Eby announced Tuesday (Nov. 25) two new parliamentary secretaries will be appointed to strengthen the province’s healthcare and economy.

The province aims to focus on job growth in the defence sector and improving access to primary care through the appointment of the new parliamentary secretaries.

Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, will support the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth with a focus on armed forces development and veterans affairs. She has previously served as the province’s military liaison.

Supporting the Ministry of Health on improving primary-care access for British Columbians will be Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson, who was chair of the government caucus.

Eby says the two MLAs bring necessary experience to the roles. He added the appointments will help strengthen the province by growing jobs in upcoming defence and aerospace projects, as well as ensuring better public access to family physicians across the province.

Sally Ji is a Kwantlen Polytechnic University practicum student working with Black Press Media.