Rich Coleman was appointed Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing on June 16, 2005.

He previously served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Mr. Coleman was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Fort Langley-Aldergrove and was re-elected in 2001 and 2005.

From 1996-2001, Mr. 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.

Mr. 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, Mr. Coleman ran a real estate management and consulting company. He is also a former member of the RCMP and a security specialist.

Rich Coleman and his wife, Michele, live in Aldergrove and have two adult children.