2022 Strategic Speakers

Bruce Ralston Q.C., was appointed as B.C.’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation in November 2020, after serving as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources since January 2020. He previously served as Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology beginning on July 18, 2017.

He has served as MLA for Surrey-Whalley since first being elected in 2005. Surrey-Whalley voters have re-elected him four consecutive times since then.

Minister Ralston leads the government’s key initiatives in energy, which include supporting the implementation of CleanBC – government’s plan for climate action – and driving innovation in the clean technology sector.

Minister Ralston also oversees BC Hydro to ensure B.C.’s wealth of clean, affordable, and reliable hydro-electricity powers the province into the future.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Ralston oversaw BC Hydro rate decreases in 2020-21, the first in decades. British Columbians and businesses received a one-time bill credit in early 2021 as a result.

With experience and relationships in technology and trade, he is working to help B.C. reach new markets for its low-carbon products and to secure investment in the mining sector.

Minister Ralston was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver. He ran a successful law practice in Vancouver and Surrey for 23 years. He has degrees in history and law from the University of British Columbia and a degree in history from the University of Cambridge in England.