11.29°C Vancouver

Feb 20, 2024 6:01 PM - The Canadian Press

Lisa Beare fills B.C. portfolio vacated by Selina Robinson, who quit over Gaza remark

Share On
lisa-beare-fills-b-c-portfolio-vacated-by-selina-robinson-who-quit-over-gaza-remark
Robinson stepped down as a minister on Feb. 5 amid an outcry by pro-Palestinian groups and others in response to remarks she made during an online panel.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

British Columbia Premier David Eby has named a new post-secondary education minister to replace Selina Robinson, who recently resigned over comments about the Middle East.

Eby says in a statement that Lisa Beare, previously the minister of citizens' services, will fill the post-secondary education and future skills portfolio.

George Chow moves into the citizens' services position left open by Beare's appointment.

Robinson stepped down as a minister on Feb. 5 amid an outcry by pro-Palestinian groups and others in response to remarks she made during an online panel.

Her comment that modern Israel was founded on "a crappy piece of land" triggered accusations of Islamophobia and racism from critics.

Police said this month they had launched an investigation into reports of a death threat against Robinson, although no further information about the threat was released.Beare represents Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows in the legislature.

Latest news

CanadaMay 15, 2026

Indian man pleads guilty in cross-border human smuggling case linked to Canada–U.S. route

A 22-year-old Indian national has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court in connection with a human smuggling network accused of moving Indian migrants from Canada into the United States illegally, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Authorities allege Shivam Lnu was involved in a cross-border operation that transported migrants from Canada into New York State between October 2024 and June 2025. Investigators said the network later arranged travel for migrants to other parts of the United States. According to the Justice Department, Shivam’s role included coordinating drivers, arranging pic
man-pleads-guilty-to-manslaughter-in-fatal-coquitlam-pub-stabbing
BCMay 14, 2026

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in fatal Coquitlam pub stabbing

A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing outside a pub in Coquitlam last year, according to homicide investigators. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Timothy Vansnick was originally charged with second-degree murder following the incident on Jan. 31, 2025. Police said the stabbing occurred after a fight outside the pub. Bystanders attempted first aid before emergency responders continued life-saving efforts, but the victim died at the scene. Investigators said Vansnick was charged with second-degree murder on Feb. 1, 2025. On Tuesda
water-restored-in-parts-of-kamloops-but-boil-water-advisory-and-restrictions-remain
BCMay 14, 2026

Water restored in parts of Kamloops, but boil water advisory and restrictions remain

Water service has been restored to parts of Kamloops following a major water main break in the city’s east end, but officials say the supply remains unsafe to drink as repair work continues. The City of Kamloops said potable water trucks will remain stationed at four locations in the affected area through Friday to provide residents with safe drinking water. According to the city, residents are also being asked to temporarily stop using water again until 6 p.m. Thursday while crews complete what officials described as a critical repair to the damaged main. City officials said the temporary s
vancouver-police-seek-public-help-locating-missing-man-last-seen-near-vgh
BCMay 14, 2026

Vancouver police seek public help locating missing man last seen near VGH

Vancouver Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 30-year-old man who was last seen near Vancouver General Hospital early Thursday morning. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, Sahil Dhallay was last seen around midnight on May 14 in the area of Vancouver General Hospital. Police described Dhallay as a South Asian man who was wearing a brown hospital gown and no shoes at the time he was last seen. Authorities said anyone who sees Dhallay should call 9-1-1 immediately and should not approach him. The case remains under investigation as police continue efforts to l
alberta-court-blocks-separation-petition-over-lack-of-first-nations-consultation
AlbertaMay 14, 2026

Alberta court blocks separation petition over lack of First Nations consultation

An Alberta court has dismissed a petition related to separating the province from Canada, ruling the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult First Nations before advancing the process. The court said any move toward separation from Canada could directly affect rights protected under Treaties 7 and 8, making consultation with affected Indigenous communities a constitutional requirement. Premier Danielle Smith criticized the ruling, calling it “wrong” and “anti-democratic.” Smith said the provincial government plans to appeal the decision immediately, arguing consultatio

Related News