Wilson receives plum job

Former BC Liberal Party leader and New Democratic Party (NDP) cabinet minister Gordon Wilson has a new job with BC’s government.

BC Premier Christy Clark has appointed Wilson as the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) Buy BC advocate.

Wilson endorsed Clark just before the May 2013 provincial election, saying he was “coming home” to the Liberals and encouraging others to join him.

Wilson was unable to speak to the Peak on Tuesday, October 29.

During her speech at the annual UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) convention in September, Clark announced a new LNG-Buy BC program, intended to help link BC-based goods and services with investors looking to build their businesses in the province.

“Liquefied Natural Gas has the potential to unleash incredible opportunities for our province and our people,” said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training. “The LNG-Buy BC program will ensure project proponents are able to connect with both small and large businesses in every corner of British Columbia.”

With his experience in both government and the private sector, Bond also said, Wilson is “perfectly suited to take on the role as the new LNG-Buy BC advocate. Mr. Wilson is a former cabinet minister who has experience in government that crosses over numerous economic and resource ministries. It’s the kind of experience that can help government connect businesses with the incredible opportunities of LNG.”

The appointment will be assessed at the end of the first term and a decision on whether or not to extend the position will be made, Bond added. “The maximum time for the position is one year,” she said. “As part of the assessment, many deliverables must be met by the advocate, including consulting with interested stakeholders, ensuring there’s a single online platform and raising awareness of the program within the business community. The advocate will be provided support as needed, within existing staffing.”

The ministry confirmed Wilson would be paid $50,000 for the first four-month term.

On September 29, 2012, Wilson wrote a blog post, entitled Dix and Clark Handcuffed by Debt.

“For years successive governments have believed that the support of foreign ownership of British Columbia business, large scale corporate development of mega projects such as the Northern Gateway project, or even the less damaging Liquid [stet] Natural Gas export strategy will provide the solution through revenue to government,” Wilson wrote. “That is the wrong approach because they do nothing to build an economic and social autonomy within our communities large and small, urban and rural, that is critical to our long-term survival.”