West Kootenay MLA Katrine Conroy will be the new Minister of Finance in British Columbia. The province's new leader David Eby made the announcement Wednesday.

Conroy, who has spent more than 40 years on her family ranch in Pass Creek, has has previously served as the Minister of Children and Family Development and the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Her portfolio will now encompass the provinces finances, economic recovery, taxation policies among other things.

Prior to being elected to parliament in 2005, Conroy served as the executive director for a non-profit, as well as worked as a college instructor. Bob Hall, former editor for the Nelson Star and Nelson Daily News, who now serves as communications director at Selkirk College, crossed paths with Conroy in the academic setting.

He said Conroy was likely chosen for her proven leadership skills for the job, which he calls a "power position."

"It's one of the most important positions in government, obviously," Hall said. "Everything sort of ends and begins with taxpayer dollars, and the minister of finance is responsible for that portfolio, and that carries over to every other ministry in British Columbia."

Conroy takes over the provinces' finances in a rosy state. The latest figures show a $5.7 billion surplus, but that economists have warned could take a hit from global economic pressures.

More appointments came to West Kootenay politicians on Wednesday. Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, and will continue to serve as the premiers special advisor on youth.

KCR News reporter John Rune reports on the appointment of Katrine Conroy as Minister of Finance: