Melanie Mark Named New Arts + Culture Minister; Bob D'Eith In As Arts + Film Secretary

Melanie Mark.

On Thursday, November 26, Melanie Mark (MLA, Vancouver-Mount Pleasant) was named as BC’s new Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. She assumes the role from Lisa Beare (MLA, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows), who will now serve as Minister of Citizens’ Services. In addition, Bob D’Eith (MLA, Maple Ridge-Mission) has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary - Arts and Film.

Born of Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Cree, and Ojibway ancestry, Melanie Mark was raised in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood in difficult circumstances. From 2000 to 2006, Mark served as president of the Urban Native Youth Association. She is the co-founder of the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre. Mark has been MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant since 2016, and is the first First Nations woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

Bob D’Eith is a pianist, author and part-time music lawyer. D'Eith served as executive director of Music BC, and was the chair of the 2009 Vancouver JUNO Awards host committee. He developed the $5.2 million Peak Performance Project with the Pattison Broadcast Group. He’s been MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission since 2017.

The BC Alliance thanks Lisa Beare for her work as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture — and offers a big congratulations and welcome to Melanie Mark and Bob D’Eith. We look forward to working alongside you to advocate for arts and culture!

For the full list of new Cabinet members, click here.