MLA: George Abbott - Shuswap

Heavenly Father, we thank You for MLA: George Abbott and his service and dedication to the citizens of British Columbia that he has demonstrated in a variety of roles while serving in our Legislative Assembly. As he is in a transitional phase of his life, we pray that You will continue to lead, guide and direct his path. Give him a clear vision of what this next phase of life looks like and the key relationships that he will need to pursue during the transition .  Bless MLA Abbott with a double portion of your Holy Spirit to guide him in all his decisions. Bless his wife and children as they journey along in partnership with him.  In the name of Jesus. Amen and Amen.

George Abbott most recently served as 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, 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.