British Columbia has announced a major cabinet shuffle to focus on jobs, economic growth, and new technologies. Premier David Eby made the changes to build a stronger economy and reduce the province’s reliance on the United States.
Rick Glumac is now the new Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies. He will focus on areas like AI, quantum computing, and life sciences. Glumac brings past experience from his time as Parliamentary Secretary for Technology and Minister of State for Trade.
Diana Gibson, who served for eight months as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, has been reassigned. She is now the Minister of Citizens’ Services. Ravi Kahlon, who led BC’s jobs and innovation efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, is returning in a new role. He will serve as Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.
Premier Eby said the cabinet shuffle reflects a strategic shift to address today’s challenges. He noted that global tensions, including U.S. policies targeting Canada’s economy, are forcing provinces to act fast. Eby believes British Columbia has the people, resources, and leadership to rise to the moment.
The premier explained that the world has changed a lot since the last election. He pointed to growing economic threats from the U.S. and stressed the need to respond quickly. The cabinet changes are meant to help the province seize investment opportunities and build a resilient economy.
Eby said Glumac will lead efforts to support the province’s fast-growing tech industries. His job will be to help BC companies use AI and other technologies to grow. At the same time, he must ensure that workers are ready for new types of jobs.
Glumac’s appointment comes after Canada named Evan Solomon as its first Minister of AI and Digital Innovation. Eby wants Glumac to push hard for BC’s interests and work closely with federal leaders. He stressed the importance of making BC a leader in future technologies.
Ravi Kahlon, who is returning to the jobs file, said he is excited about the new focus on AI. He believes it offers big chances to improve productivity. But he also said it is vital to prepare the workforce. He wants both current and future workers to benefit from tech changes.
Kahlon previously led BC through a tough economic time during the pandemic. His experience in managing recovery makes him a key player in the province’s economic strategy.
The reshuffle comes as BC steps up efforts to promote its tech sector. The province recently hosted the first Web Summit Vancouver conference. The event is part of a larger push to make BC a hub for innovation. It received support from the provincial, city, and federal governments.
The event’s success has been noted by many tech leaders. Former jobs minister Brenda Bailey and Diana Gibson both supported the conference early on. Gibson later said that the investment in Web Summit was worth every penny.
While it’s still unclear who will handle the innovation file going forward, Eby’s office said the reshuffle was carefully planned. The goal is to match each minister’s experience with the challenges the province now faces.
BC’s government is working to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. By focusing on jobs, AI, and new technologies, the province hopes to create lasting growth. The new cabinet will play a key role in shaping that future.
