13. Peter Fassbender

Minister responsible for Translink

Age: 69 | First AppearanceSince jumping into provincial politics in 2013, the former Langley mayor has become one of Premier Christy Clark’s most trusted ministers. Clark didn’t hesitate to give the rookie MLA the always-tough education portfolio, along with the seemingly impossible job of trying to reach a long-term labour agreement with the province’s teachers. Mission accomplished: the six-year deal is the longest ever signed by the B.C. Teachers’ Federation. He also helped shape the massive curriculum overhaul being rolled out over the next couple of years.That accomplished, Clark in July moved Fassbender to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development with responsibility for TransLink—the key part of his job. Fixing the broken governance model that has undermined the public’s confidence in the beleaguered transit authority will be no easy task, but it says something about Clark’s faith in 69-year-old Fassbender that she gave him a role where others have failed. His past association with the region’s mayors should come in handy as he tries to find a way to give them the increased say over the TransLink they seek, while ensuring the provincial government doesn’t forfeit total control.

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