Gordon Campbell’s former deputy minister, Jessica McDonald, has been named the new CEO of BC Hydro.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” McDonald, whose most recent position was as executive vice president of Heenan Blaikie Management Ltd., said in a press release.
“BC Hydro has an important role to play in growing British Columbia’s economy and I look forward to leading a dedicated, skilled workforce and a strong capital investment program so that our customers can continue to benefit from an affordable, reliable and safe electricity system.”
The NDP is questioning McDonald’s appointment, saying it will politicize a public utility.
“B.C. Liberal mismanagement of BC Hydro has already driven up rates for British Columbians,” NDP Leader John Horgan said in a press release. “Another Liberal appointment will only make things worse. Jessica McDonald has no experience in the energy sector. Her only relevant experience is as a deputy to the premier who put BC Hydro in the mess it's in today.”
McDonald served as deputy minister to former premier Gordon Campbell from 2003 to 2005, and also served as cabinet minister and head of the BC Public Service.
McDonald will replace Charles Reid, who announced he is retiring after less than three years in the CEO’s position at BC Hydro.
Reid, BC Hydro’s former CTO, replaced Dave Cobb, who left BC Hydro in 2011 to work for the Jim Pattison Group after only 16 months as CEO.
