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Premier Clark shuffles cabinet, demotes early supporter

Premier Christy Clark shuffled her cabinet today, demoting the one MLA who supported her leadership bid.

Harry Bloy lost the social development file, though he retains responsibility for multiculturalism as a minister of state. While most members of the BC Liberal caucus lined up behind Kevin Falcon and George Abbott in last February's leadership contest, Bloy supported Clark who as leader moved him from the backbench to cabinet.

"It obviously shows the poor planning in the last cabinet shuffle and her determination to see her friends stay employed," said NDP Leader Adrian Dix.

Clark chose Stephanie Cadieux to replace Bloy, moving her from the labour, citizen services and open government ministry, where she is replaced by Margaret MacDiarmid. MacDiarmid was education minister in former premier Gordon Campbell's cabinet, but was notably left out when Clark formed her first cabinet.

Shirely Bond remains as both solicitor general and attorney general. The ministry of the attorney general she picked up after Barry Penner resigned during the summer.

The shuffle also made Ron Cantelon the parliamentary secretary for seniors. Donna Barnett, who was the parliamentary secretary for regional economic development, is now the parliamentary secretary for rural communities.

Gordon Hogg remains as the parliamentary secretary for non-profit partnerships, but the position now comes under the minister of social development instead of the minister of labour, citizens' services and open government. And Richard Lee, previously parliamentary secretary for multiculturalism, is no parliamentary secretary for Asia-Pacific.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.

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