MLA Hon. George Abbott Shushwap Minister of Education

Lord we give you thanks for MLA Hon. George Abbott today.  He has faithfully served the citizens of British Columbia and his riding of Shuswap in a variety of capacities making a difference for the people of our province. 

Lord you know what an asset we have in our youth and that you care deeply for each and every one of them and the educational process in our province. As he continues in his role as Minister of Education we pray that you will continue to give wisdom, insight and vision.Bless both he and his family with good health and prosperity.


George Abbott is currently the Minister of Education. Previously, he served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. He was re-elected as MLA for the Shuswap on May 12, 2009. George is also a member of the Priorities and Planning Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Families First.

Prior to the 2009 election, he served as Minister of Health since June 16, 2005, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services and Minister of Sustainable Resource Management.

George has also been deputy house leader for the Official Opposition and was critic for municipal affairs and forests. He was Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committees on Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. Additionally, he sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.

First elected as MLA in 1996 to represent the riding of Shuswap, George was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2005. Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, George was a political science instructor at Okanagan University College. He also owned the oldest and largest berry farm in the Interior.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and his Master of Arts in political science from the University of Victoria.

George was the chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District. He was also involved in amateur sports as a minor hockey coach.

George and Lesley Abbott live in Sicamous and have three children.