VICTORIA – New Democrat leader John Horgan has promoted Vancouver-Mount Pleasant MLA Melanie Mark within the official opposition shadow cabinet. Mark will become the spokesperson for children and family development.

“Melanie Mark has exceeded everyone’s expectations and proven to be a truly extraordinary force in British Columbia,” said Horgan.

“Melanie’s experience in working with B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth before she was elected gave her a strong understanding of the challenges the most vulnerable kids in B.C. face, particularly children and families from First Nations.”

Mark served as deputy spokesperson for housing since being elected in a by-election earlier this year. She has fought for people struggling with B.C.’s housing affordability crisis, particularly for renters and low-income people in Vancouver.

“Melanie will be a relentless advocate for the most vulnerable kids in this province,” Horgan said.

Horgan also announced that Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson, the previous spokesperson for children and family development, will become the New Democrat spokesperson for energy and mines.

The full Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet can be found here.