19 Facts About Rich Coleman

Richard Thomas Coleman is a Canadian politician and former police officer who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia, representing Fort Langley-Aldergrove from 1996 to 2017, and Langley East from 2017 to 2020.

Rich Coleman was the party's interim leader and Leader of Opposition in British Columbia between 2017 and 2018.

Rich Coleman's father was a civil servant and his mother Rosa Coleman was a school English teacher.

Rich Coleman moved to Penticton with his family in 1957, and graduated from Penticton Secondary School in 1971.

Rich Coleman is married to Michele Coleman, with whom he has two children.

Minister Rich Coleman announced this decision about eight months after his brother, Stan Rich Coleman, joined Western Forest Products as their manager of strategic planning.

Rich Coleman briefly resumed the role of Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in April 2009 following the resignation of John van Dongen, until Kash Heed took over the post that June.

Rich Coleman "was repeatedly asked to respond in an interview to the allegations in this story" but refused, agreeing by statement only to cooperate with any future inquiry.

On December 1,2010, Rich Coleman announced to the media he had decided not to enter the provincial Liberal leadership race to replace the outgoing Gordon Campbell.

Rich Coleman indicated he had planned to announce his run the following day, had MLA support and campaign funds, but decided not to pursue the post due to family reasons.

Rich Coleman instead supported Kevin Falcon, who placed second in the leadership election behind Christy Clark.

Rich Coleman was named Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing in March 2011, as part of Clark's initial cabinet.

Rich Coleman became deputy premier in September 2012 following the resignation of Kevin Falcon, and continued in the re-titled post of Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas.

Rich Coleman was re-elected in the 2017 election in the new riding of Langley East, and returned to the cabinet as deputy premier and Minister of Energy and Mines.

Rich Coleman served in those roles until Andrew Wilkinson was elected new Liberal leader in February 2018, and announced in February 2020 that he would not seek re-election in the next provincial election.

Rich Coleman is considered one of the best fundraisers and organizers for the BC Liberals.

Rich Coleman ran for mayor of Langley Township in 2022 as a candidate with Elevate Langley, finishing a distant third.

Rich Coleman received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 and was awarded the Canada 125 Medal for community service.

Rich Coleman was the 1988 Langley, British Columbia Volunteer of the Year, and was awarded Rotary's top honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship.