MLAs appoint first female clerk in B.C. legislature history
Credit to Author: Rob Shaw| Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2020 02:17:25 +0000
VICTORIA — B.C. MLAs unanimously appointed Kate Ryan-Lloyd as the clerk of the legislature on Monday, making history by selecting a woman to the position for the first time in almost 150 years.
Ryan-Lloyd received unanimous support from NDP, Liberal and Green MLAs, as well as two standing ovations from members.
As clerk, Ryan-Lloyd is effectively the CEO of the legislature, overseeing 330 staff that allow the building to function and support MLAs in crafting and debating legislation. She reports directly to the legislature, through a legislative management board that includes MLAs from all parties and Speaker Darryl Plecas.
Ryan-Lloyd becomes the 14th clerk of the legislature, and the first woman in what is one of the oldest continuously held jobs in the province. The position of clerk of the legislature pre-dates B.C.’s admission into confederation in 1871.
Ryan-Lloyd started in the legislature library in 1991 and worked her way up to clerk of committees, the second-most-senior position in the legislature.
Premier John Horgan said he was glad to see the appointment and congratulated Ryan-Lloyd.
“As the first female clerk in B.C., her exceptional work ethic and dedication to public service are unparalleled and we thank her for taking on the role,” said Opposition Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson.
Liberal MLA Mike de Jong, who is one of the longest-serving members of the legislature, said the committee searched broadly but Ryan-Lloyd was the right choice.
“With this appointment, I am confident, I think you can tell that members are confident, and members of the public will be confident that this institution is in good hands,” he said.
Ryan-Lloyd had been serving as acting clerk since late 2018 when former clerk Craig James was suspended and then resigned amid a spending scandal.
“She has demonstrated exceptional initiative to lead the legislative assembly’s administrative support structure through a turbulent period of change,” said NDP MLA Garry Begg, who chaired the all-party appointment committee.