Heavenly Father, we pray today for MLA: Donna Barnett who has spent many years in public service. At the beginning of a newly elected legislature, we pray that You will again watch over her as she tackles the tremendous responsibilities of serving in the Legislature but may she also be encouraged by the many folks praying for her. May You fill her with wisdom, strength and joy in the day to day responsibilities of public life and may she be able to stay focused on the important issues so that she can complete those projects that she needs to accomplish. Bless her with good health and keep her safe. Amen.
Donna Barnett was re-elected MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin on May 14, 2013.
She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for Rural Development on June 10, 2013. She is also a member of the Environment and Land Use Committee.
Donna has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Communities and Development to the Minister of Community, Tourism, Sport and Cultural Development. She has been a member of the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs, on Health, and on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills.
A self-employed business owner and realtor, Donna served as mayor of the District of 100 Mile House from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2008.
During that time, Donna served as co-chair of the Council of Resource Community Mayors, as well as chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition. Additionally, she was a member of the federal government’s Minister of Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Premier’s Climate Action Team.
Donna’s political experience is very diverse. She has been either a member of or involved in: the Cariboo Regional District and Hospital District; Community Policing; the Premier’s Task Force on Opportunities; Land Use Planning; Health Care; the Restorative Justice Committee; the Regional Economic Development Committee; the BC Open Learning Agency; the Board of Directors for the Cariboo College; and the Chamber of Commerce.
With over 35 years of community involvement, Donna has been a Rotarian, a member of the 100 Mile House Kinettes, a member of the 100 Mile Outriders Club, chair of the Spirit of BC 100 Mile House Community Committee, chair of the 100 Mile Chapter of Kidsport, chair of the 100 Mile & District Safety Committee, a member of Measuring up the North 100 Mile Committee, chair of the 100 Mile Advisory Committee for the Industrial Hemp Pilot Project, a member of the 100 Mile House Museum Society, a member of the Lower Bridge Creek Watershed Society and served as chair of the South Cariboo Planning Council.
Donna has been the recipient of many awards including the 2008 Women in Resource Communities Woman of the Year Award and 2006 BC Government Community Achievement Award.
Donna has two grown children and one grandchild.