Michelle served as British Columbia’s Minister for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources from 2017-2020, and then as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness in 2020. She was the first female MLA for Nelson-Creston from 2009 to 2020, and the youngest City Councillor for the City of Nelson from 2002-2005. In each role, Michelle has been an advocate for affordable utility rates, renewable energy generation, grid resilience, and energy innovation. As a Columbian Basin resident, she is proud that her region generates close to fifty percent of BC’s renewable electricity.

Michelle is forward-thinking and a go-getter. She brings people together to solve problems and create public benefit. Responsible for BC’s first zero-emission vehicle mandate and government oversight of major hydroelectric projects, Michelle helped move key initiatives in the BC government forward. She is now applying that experience and skill with Energy Storage Canada in support of continued grid reliability. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Peacebuilding and Human Security. She currently writes a monthly opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun and is working on her memoir Minister Mom. She resides in Nelson with her family and enjoys all that mountain life has to offer.