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Rich Coleman Politician

Rich Coleman is British Columbia's Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy and Mines, minister responsible for Housing and MLA for the riding of Fort Langley-Aldergrove. He was first elected in 1996 and was re-elected in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.Coleman currently serves as Vice Chair of the Cabinet Priorities and Planning Committee and is a member of the Cabinet Committees on Jobs and Economic Growth and Environment and Land Use. Coleman is also Government House Leader.He previously served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Forests and Range, Minister Responsible for Housing, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister of Housing and Social Development.From 1996 to 2001, Coleman served in a variety of Official Opposition roles, including housing critic, forests deputy critic, and caucus whip. He also sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.Coleman has served as governor of the B.C. Kinsmen, president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, and as a director on several volunteer boards. He was awarded Rotary's highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, and received a Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003. He has also received the Canada 125 Medal for community service and was chosen Langley's Volunteer of the Year in 1988.Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Coleman ran a real estate management and consulting company. He is also a former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a security specialist.Coleman graduated from Penticton Secondary School in 1971.On December 1, 2010, Coleman announced to the media he had decided not to enter the provincial Liberal leadership race to replace retiring BC Premier Gordon Campbell. Coleman indicated he had planned to announce his run on Thursday, had MLA support and campaign funds, but decided not to pursue the post due to family reasons.