Harwinder Sandhu, freshly re-elected as MLA for the new Vernon-Lumby riding, has been given a new portfolio for her second term. 

The BC NDP government announced its picks for cabinet ministers Monday, Nov. 18. While Sandhu wasn't tapped for a cabinet role, she was named the parliamentary secretary for agriculture.

It's a departure from Sandhu's previous role as parliamentary secretary for seniors' services and long-term care, a role that suited her given her background as a healthcare worker for over 20 years, who worked as a nurse at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and, prior to that, at Northern Health and Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace. 

The agriculture portfolio could also be viewed as suitable for Sandhu, as she represents a riding with strong agricultural roots. 

"There are so many hardworking and passionate farmers, ranchers, dairy farmers and food producers here in the Interior and across B.C. I am looking forward to connecting with them," Sandhu said in a statement announcing her new role on Wednesday. 

Sandhu was born to a farming family and has lived in rural communities across B.C. She understands the needs of those communities, according to an to her new role from the B.C. government. 

Parliamentary secretaries are tasked with assisting ministers in carrying out their duties. As such, Sandhu will be working closely with Saanich South MLA Lana Popham, who was appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Food in Premier David Eby's government. 

For the full list of appointed ministers and parliamentary secretaries, visit the B.C. government .