Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis is pleased to announce an expansion of his responsibilities within the Official Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet.

McInnis will now share his current role as Deputy Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation with the Leader of the Official Opposition, John Rustad.  Additionally, McInnis will serve as Shadow Minister for Tourism, Resort Municipalities, and the Columbia Basin Trust.

“I’m honoured to take on these additional portfolios and look forward to working with communities locally, and across British Columbia to support and strengthen our tourism sector,” said McInnis.

“Resort Municipalities are vital economic and cultural hubs, and I’m committed to advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth and local prosperity.  With five of the province’s 14 designated Resort Municipalities located within Columbia River-Revelstoke, this role is a natural fit for me and our caucus.”

Additionally, McInnis will add the Columbia Basin Trust to his portfolio, which was previously held by his neighbour, MLA Pete Davis (Kootenay–Rockies).  “Pete is very active on the mining file and is doing an outstanding job there,” said McInnis.  “It’s again a natural fit again for me to accept this role, and one that I am excited to tackle.”

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation becomes the only shared critic role within the Official Opposition, which McInnis addressed.  “There are so many critical issues in the file right now which will require a team approach,” said McInnis.  “There’s only one person in our caucus who knows it better than I do—and that’s John Rustad.”

Rustad served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation from 2013-2017 where he signed over 430 agreements province wide.  “You’re going to see a stark increase in the criticism of this government on the IRR file moving forward,” said McInnis.  “The stakes are extremely high, and this government is intentionally keeping the public in the dark with exactly what they’re up to,” he added.

Rustad was very upfront in his praise for McInnis as a strong MLA within the opposition caucus.  “Scott is smart, and he works extremely hard. I am eager to share this role with him as we address the many difficult challenges which lie ahead on the Indigenous file.”

“Scott has done a first-class job with this very intense, sensitive, and demanding role.  He has shown tremendous leadership within our caucus when meeting these challenges head-on,” added Rustad.

When approached by John Rustad about a Shadow Cabinet shuffle, McInnis was eager to accept new responsibilities but made clear in their recent one-on-one meeting that he didn’t want to leave the Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation file behind.  “I’m too invested,” said McInnis.

“Without a doubt, I’ve learned far too much and formed too many trustworthy relationships to simply walk away from this work.”

McInnis also extended his congratulations to John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, following the conclusion of the party’s leadership review. Rustad received 70.66% support from voting members across 93 ridings, securing his mandate to continue leading the party.

“I want to congratulate John Rustad on the outcome of his leadership review,” he said. “This result reflects the confidence of party members in his leadership and vision. I look forward to continuing our work together in the Legislature as we hold the government to account and advocate for the people of British Columbia.”

With internal reorganization complete, McInnis emphasized the Official Opposition’s renewed focus. “The province is counting on us,” he said. “British Columbians are facing economic, housing, and health care crises. They want tough questions asked and real solutions brought forward—and that’s exactly what we intend to deliver.”

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