MLA Scott McInnis Expands Role Amid B.C. Legislature Session

UPDATE: In a significant reshuffle just before the B.C. Legislature’s fall session that began on October 6, 2023, Conservative Party MLA Scott McInnis has been appointed as the shadow critic for Tourism, Resort Municipalities, and the Columbia Basin Trust, including the crucial Columbia River Treaty. This urgent update comes as the Conservative Party aims to strengthen its opposition ahead of pressing legislative discussions.

McInnis, who represents Columbia River-Revelstoke, will also continue his role as critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, a position he will now share with Conservative Party leader John Rustad. “I’m honoured to take on these additional portfolios and look forward to working with communities locally, and across British Columbia to support and strengthen our tourism sector,” McInnis stated in a press release.

Tourism and resort municipalities are vital economic engines in the province, and with five of the province’s 14 designated Resort Municipalities located in Columbia River-Revelstoke, McInnis emphasized that this role is a “natural fit.” His expanded responsibilities include advocating for sustainable growth policies crucial for local prosperity.

The opposition critic roles for the Columbia Basin Trust and Columbia River Treaty were previously held by Pete Davis, MLA for Kootenay-Rockies, who now focuses on mining and critical minerals. McInnis noted the shared critic role for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is essential due to the numerous critical Indigenous issues facing the province.

In a show of solidarity, Rustad acknowledged McInnis’s hard work and leadership. “Scott is smart and he works extremely hard. I am eager to share this role with him as we address the many difficult challenges which lie ahead on the Indigenous file,” Rustad declared.

McInnis also recognized the recent results of Rustad’s leadership review, which received 70.66% support from voting party members across 93 ridings. Rustad won in 78 ridings, lost in 10, tied in 3, and in 2 ridings, no votes were cast. The leadership review involved 1,268 members in good standing, reflecting strong confidence in Rustad’s leadership.

As McInnis prepares to address pressing issues head-on, this reshuffle signals a strategic move by the Conservative Party as they gear up for critical discussions in the legislature. The party is poised to advocate for the people of British Columbia, with McInnis at the forefront of key policy areas impacting local communities.

Next Steps: Watch for McInnis’s initiatives in the upcoming sessions as he navigates through the complexities of tourism, resort municipalities, and Indigenous relations, a vital intersection for the province’s future. The developments in these roles will be crucial as the government faces pressing challenges ahead.