Langley MLA Mary Polak is excited to take on the large portfolio of B.C.'s transportation and infrastructure minister.
"Transportation issues hit close to home in Langley and it's something I am very familiar with," said Polak who was heading to Victoria on Wednesday to be briefed on her new position.
Polak was part of B.C. Premier Christy Clark's cabinet shuffle on Wednesday morning that took place after numerous B.C. Liberals jumped ship, including former transportation minister Blair Lekstrom.
Included in the shuffle is Aldergrove-Fort Langley MLA Rich Coleman being named deputy premier.
"It's exciting because if you look at the government's agenda you can see how transportation is interlinked with jobs and moving the economy forward. It will be action oriented as we go forward," she said.
Earlier, Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender, who is vice chair of the Mayors Council for TransLink, told media he was concerned that the loss of Lekstrom meant important projects, like the rapid bus over the new Port Mann and funding for it, may lose priority in such shuffles.
"What I can say is I obviously have a close working relationship with Mayor Fassbender as being the Langley MLA, but in terms of working on the transportation issues, like the Highway One widening and the rapid bus -- we are now putting to work those plans."
Polak also takes on ICBC in her portfolio. A review of ICBC's books showed exorbitant pay increases and promotions that outraged the public. The CEO of ICBC resigned the day the report came out.
"At least we have had the review and we have actions in place," said Polak. Since the Premier took office she has brought fresh eyes to everything from B.C. Hydro to ICBC. It's time, the public is demanding it's time to reign them in."