VANCOUVER — It appears former Westside-Kelowna Liberal MLA Ben Stewart has been rewarded for giving up his seat to Premier Christy Clark.
Stewart stepped aside shortly after the May election, opening the door for Clark to run in a by-election.
Despite leading the Liberals to power in the general election, Clark lost her seat in Vancouver-Point Grey to David Eby of the NDP.
At the time, Stewart said he wasn’t asked to give up his seat to Clark.
On Monday, Premier Clark appointing Stewart as B.C’s Commissioner of Trade and Investment.
Premier Clark says Stewart’s focus will be to strengthen the province’s relationships in Asia.
“This is a crucial time in our trade relations with Asia and we want to strengthen the ties that attract new investment to British Columbia,” says Clark.
“The appointment of Ben Stewart sends an important signal to these markets – we want to be your partner in business. That is why we are stepping up our game, increasing our government’s presence in Asia and making clear this is a priority for us.”
Stewart will reportedly be based in China and will be paid roughly $150,000 a year – about the same salary he collected as a cabinet minister.
The premier dismisses suggestions the job is a patronage appointment.
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