Rookie MLA Teresa Wat is planning to tap into her experience in organizing trade missions to Asia and her multilingual talents after being named to Christy Clarks cabinet last Friday.
Wat, who easily won the seat for the B.C. Liberal Party in the Richmond Centre riding on May 14, was made minister responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.
At the official swearing in at Government House in Victoria Monday, Wat said she became emotional.
I was almost on the verge of tears, said Wat from Victoria. As an immigrant, I am really proud to be a Canadian. And that speaks a lot about the opportunity in Canada and British Columbia.
Wat added, her accomplishment is a good example for other immigrants to embrace integration.
I think theres a great opportunity for them to also contribute to society, even if they are part of the first generation, Wat said.
Directly following the ceremony Wat and her fellow, newly minted cabinet ministers held their first meeting.
Its really a great privilege and an honour. I really didnt expect such a big portfolio. But I am really excited, and very humbled to have been given this opportunity to work in the Legislature for the people of British Columbia, Wat said.
This is really fitting with my experience and my passion, as well.
During the Glen Clark-led NDP government of the 1990s, Wat led a trade delegation for the province to China. And later, when she was working for a multicultural radio station, she organized a second trip.
As for what her first moves will be in the new positions, Wat said it is too early to talk about any fine details.
To be honest, I have not even had a chance to talk with my staff, she said, and I am looking forward to learning more about the file before I can say anything.
While overseeing two ministries may seem like a large task for a rookie politician, Wat said she plans to also keep her local constituents at the forefront.
Definitely, my priority is still with my constituents, Wat said. I have to see how I can share my time between my constituency and portfolio. But of course, I was elected by my constituents and my primary responsibilities lie with them. I will definitely not forget about them.
With much of her ministry staff situated in Vancouver, Wat said that would ease her schedule somewhat by limiting trips to the provincial capital mostly when the house sits.
