Hon. Barry Penner, Q.C. Attorney General and Member for Chilliwack Hope

As we join together in prayer for MLA.Barry Penner this morning , we give grateful thanks for the many years of faithful service to the people of BC. He has served in a number of portfolios during this time, with diligence and expertise, making a difference for the good of his constituents, and our province.



As he takes on his portfolio as Attorney General, we ask for Your divine guidance and wisdom to be evident , as in the past. Give him clear vision to execute with justice and fairness in all You give him to do.


We note the support, knowledge and experience he offers to his colleagues so unselfishly. May abundant blessings be his and for his family. as he continues to gives so much of himself to others. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

Barry Penner was named Attorney General on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack-Hope in the spring of 2009.

Barry 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. In addition, he took on the role of Attorney General for BC on December 1, 2010.

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.