MLA Joan Isaacs will replace Linda Reid as Assistant Deputy Speaker

Joan Issacs

BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson on Tuesday announced that MLA Joan Isaacs will be the new Assistant Deputy Speaker.

In a statement. he said: “I am pleased to announce that Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Joan Isaacs will stand as Assistant Deputy Speaker in the upcoming session of the B.C. Legislature. Joan has been a strong advocate for her community and has demonstrated great skill in the House. Joan will bring a fresh perspective to this challenging role. Congratulations Joan!

“I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to outgoing Assistant Deputy Speaker Linda Reid. Linda has been a distinguished member of our Legislature for 28 years and has served as Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Assistant Deputy Speaker since 2009. Linda believes strongly in our BC Liberal team and in the opportunity for some of our newer MLAs to take on more prominent roles. She will continue her important work in the advancement and recruitment of women in B.C. politics. Thank you Linda!”

 

ANDREW Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party, said in a statement: “Over the past few months allegations of systemic financial wrongdoing have emerged at the B.C. Legislature. These allegations suggest a culture of entitlement and are already compromising British Columbians’ trust in their democratic institution.

“Last month I called on MLA Reid to step aside as Assistant Deputy Speaker as all parties work to restore public trust. I felt strongly that it was inappropriate for MLA Reid to continue to serve as Assistant Deputy Speaker until the allegations of the Speaker’s report could be fully addressed, given the higher threshold of trust required by the role.

“Her decision to step down is an important step, but only one of many that must be taken by all parties to address the alleged abuses of power that have gone on for far too long. The B.C. Green Caucus is committed to ensuring a culture of transparency and accountability in B.C. politics.”