Fraser-Nicola MLA remains in same role under new cabinet

MERRITT – Premier David Eby announced his new cabinet last week and within the Liberal caucus, Fraser-Nicola MLA, Jackie Tegart, remained in her same role.

Tegart was named as the Assistant Deputy Speaker, something that isn’t new to her.

“I have been serving in that role since February and I am absolutely honoured to continue. When Kevin Falcon came in as our new leader, I was chosen to be the Assistant Deputy Speaker and I am absolutely enjoying the role.”

She said this role is an interesting one but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“So what it entails is you’re part of the team with the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, which are both NDP members and then I am the Liberal member, so when the house is sitting you do shifts in the chamber to ensure that it’s chaired appropriately, that there is a Coram in the chamber, and that business in the house gets done. It’s very busy when we are in Victoria and not quite so busy when your not.”

Those times when Tegart isn’t in Victoria and her role as Assistant Deputy Speaker isn’t as busy, she said it gives her time to get other work done throughout the riding.

“My riding is really busy with files because of wildfires, floods, landslides, etc., so because I don’t have a critical role, this is a non-partisan role and you have to be very aware of chairing in a non-partisan way, it allows me to work on files when I’m home and gives me more time to do that. I think it allows a person in my role to build relationships with both sides of the house and I think that when we work on constituency files that’s really important.”

Overall, Tegart summed up this role by stating its quite important and she is beyond honoured to be in this position.