Rich Coleman was appointed
Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas
(Minister Responsible for Housing)
on March 14, 2011. He was initially appointed Minister of
Housing and Social Development on June 23, 2008 and re-appointed on
June 10, 2009. He has served as Minister responsible for Housing
since 2005. He previously served as Minister of Forests and Range,
and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Mr. Coleman was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Fort Langley-Aldergrove and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. From 1996-2001, Mr. Coleman served in a variety of Official Opposition roles, including housing critic, forests deputy critic, and caucus whip. He also sat on the Select Standing Committee on Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.
Mr. Coleman has served as governor of the B.C. Kinsmen, president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, and as a director on several volunteer boards. He was awarded Rotary's highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, and received a Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003. He has also received the Canada 125 Medal for community service and was chosen Langley 's Volunteer of the Year in 1988.
Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Coleman ran a real estate management and consulting company. He is also a former member of the RCMP and a security specialist.
Rich Coleman and his wife, Michele, live in Aldergrove and have two adult children. Michele is the former manager of the North Langley Chamber of Commerce. Rich's hobbies include golfing and watching sports such as hockey and football.