Olga Ilich was appointed Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services on Aug. 15, 2006.

She previously served as Minister of Tourism, Sports and the Arts.

Ms. Ilich was elected in the riding of Richmond Centre in 2005.

Prior to being elected to the Legislative Assembly, she served as president of Suncor Development Corporation, a real estate development and construction company based in Richmond. Before owning her own business, Ms. Ilich was the executive vice-president of Progressive Construction Ltd, a company also based in Richmond.

Ms. Ilich was born in Holland and has lived in Richmond since 1959. She holds a master of business administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a master of arts from the University of Manitoba and a bachelor of arts from the University of British Columbia.

Ms. Ilich has been involved in a number of community, professional and business organizations. She has served as chair of the BC Assessment Authority, director of UBC Properties Investment Ltd, director of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, member of the City of Richmond Advisory Design Panel, and president of the Urban Development Institute, Pacific Region.

Ms. Ilich has also served with the City of Surrey Development Advisory Committee, B.C.’s Advisory Committee on Public-Private Partnerships, B.C.’s Task Force on Public-Private Partnerships, the Federal Business Development Bank’s Regional Advisory Council, the City of Richmond Advisory Planning Commission, St. Georges's School, and the Diane Farris Gallery.

Ms. Ilich has two grown sons who are currently at university.