Shypitka returns as Opposition Critic for Energy and Mines

The B.C. Liberal opposition has selected its critics to respond to Premier John Horgan’s new majority government, with Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka has been named the opposition critic for Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

Shypitka has previously served as the critic for Energy and Mines, before being given the additional responsibility of Petroleum Resources right before the October election.

Shypitka has now served as opposition critic for energy and mines since he was first elected to the BC legislature in 2017, and said he was honoured to be keeping the role.

Shypitka was elected MLA for Kootenay East in 2017 and again in 2020.

Prior to his election, Shypitka was a financial advisor and served as a Cranbrook city councillor, director of the East Kootenay Regional District and hospital board, as well as vice chair of the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee and chair of the Cranbrook in motion committee.

Shypitka enjoys volunteering his time working with several health-based local charities, coaching minor baseball, soccer, and curling.

Shypitka is an avid curler and is a three time provincial champion at the national level, playing at the Brier twice and narrowly missing the opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics.