MLA Hon. Patrick Bell Prince George-Mackenzie Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for the Integrated Land Management Bureau

Dearest Heavenly Father, we come to You today with thanks for Your omnipotence and great wisdom in appointing MLA the Honourable Patrick Bell to Government for such a time as this.  We acknowledge, Lord, that You have a purpose for Patrick and ask that You give him wisdom beyond himself, special insight into the affairs of his portfolios in Forests and Land Management, and a desire to accomplish all that You would put in his heart that he would be used as an instrument of blessing.

Pat Bell was re-elected to a third term as MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie on May 12, 2009 and re-appointed Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for the Integrated Land Management Bureau on June 10, 2009.

Bell was first appointed Minister of Forests and Range on June 23, 2008. He previously served as Minister for Agriculture and Lands and as Minister of State for Mining.

Bell was elected to represent the riding of Prince George North in the 2001 election and re-elected in 2005.

He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and B.C. Task Force on Mining, and as chair of the Small Scale Salvage Review Committee. Bell has also served on the Legislative Select Standing Committees on Education and Crown Corporations.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Bell owned a trucking company and co-owned a logging company. He owns two Wendy's Restaurants in Prince George.

Committed to youth sport, Bell chaired the junior golf program at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club from 1993 to 1997. He also coached high school volleyball and supported the Prince George Barracuda Swim Club. Bell served for several years on the Tourism Prince George Board of Directors.

Born in Vancouver and educated at the University of British Columbia, Bell has lived in Prince George since 1988. He and his wife Brenda have three children.