MLA: Barry Penner, Q.C. - Chilliwack-Hope

Lord, we are thankful for MLA: Barry Penner, Q.C and his many years of faithful service to the citizens of British Columbia.  We thank You for leading and guiding him in the decisions he has made. We pray that You fill him with renewed strength, courage and vision for our province for the days and years ahead as he helps create an exciting future for our province.  May he continue being encouraged by his constituents, staff and family. In all his endeavours may he have Your peace which passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.   

Barry Penner was re-elected to the riding of Chilliwack-Hope in May 2009. He previously served as Attorney General.

He was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the renamed riding of Chilliwack-Kent in 2001 and 2005.

Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Environment in June, 2005 and fulfilled this role until October, 2010. He was the longest serving Environment Minister in BC history, and by late 2009 was the longest serving Environment Minister in Canada.

Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation in October 2010, serving in this role until mid-March, 2011.

Barry was raised in Chilliwack. He studied political science and economics at Simon Fraser University to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned his law degree from the University of Victoria. A former park ranger and sawmill worker, Barry also worked as a B.C. Legislative intern in Victoria. In 1991, he worked for an International law firm in Bangkok, Thailand and then later practiced law in Chilliwack until his election in 1996.
Barry was appointed by Premier Campbell as the co-chair of B.C.’s Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force in April 2005. He is keenly interested in renewable energy and conservation technologies.

Barry previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, as Chair of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources, and was a member of the Legislature's Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

Barry has also chaired the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills, and served as a member of the Legislature's Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Review.

Premier Campbell appointed Barry in 2001 to lead BC's delegation to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). He served as President of PNWER from June 2002 to July 2003 and remains active in PNWER issues.

Barry represents and lives in the electoral district of Chilliwack-Hope.