Peace River South MLA remains Critic for Energy as B.C. Conservatives announce shadow cabinet

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Conservative Party of B.C. has announced its official opposition critic roles, and they include a familiar name in the Peace Region.

On June 30, Conservative Party of B.C. leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced the party’s official opposition critic roles. 

Among the critic roles is Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld, who will serve as the shadow minister for energy. 

Neufeld explained his reaction to being announced as the shadow minister for energy.

“I was very pleased,” he said. “It’s a continuation of a role that I’ve held for quite some time and an expansion of a role that I’ve held since first being elected.”

Neufeld said he has been in this current role for approximately six months and that it has expanded to cover topics such as “the zero-emission vehicle mandate, the industrial carbon tax, the fuel tax program in British Columbia.” 

Neufeld also said the role has begun to include things related to BC Hydro. 

According to Neufeld, his role is to hold the NDP government to account on energy-related matters, including upstream natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines. 

Neufeld said he hopes to see rapid and significant expansion of the world-class supply of the world’s cleanest natural gas.

“There is over $1 trillion worth of economic value that is gifted to us below our feet in Northeast British Columbia.”

Neufeld said selling and shipping the gas would improve environmental conditions and provide the province an economic opportunity that would significantly enhance its ability to pay for key services such as health care, education, infrastructure and highways. 

Neufeld explained that continuing in his role as shadow minister for energy will allow him to continue serving people in Northeast B.C. 

“With over 33 years of experience in the industry, I have an intimate knowledge of the subject material,” he said. 

“I’m able to hold the government to account to a high level, and that gives me access to individuals and decisions within both our own party and the government that provides the opportunity for me to enhance the representation of Peace River South.” 

Neufeld has been serving as MLA for Peace River South since he was elected in the 2024 provincial election, defeating incumbent independent Mike Bernier.