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VICTORIA — B.C. MLAs unanimously appointed Kate Ryan-Lloyd as the clerk of the legislature on Monday, making history by selecting a woman to the position for the first time in almost 150 years.

Ryan-Lloyd received unanimous support from NDP, Liberal and Green MLAs, as well as two standing ovations from members.

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As clerk, Ryan-Lloyd is effectively the CEO of the legislature, overseeing 330 staff that allow the building to function and support MLAs in crafting and debating legislation. She reports directly to the legislature, through a legislative management board that includes MLAs from all parties and Speaker Darryl Plecas.

Ryan-Lloyd becomes the 14th clerk of the legislature, and the first woman in what is one of the oldest continuously held jobs in the province. The position of clerk of the legislature pre-dates B.C.’s admission into confederation in 1871.

Ryan-Lloyd started in the legislature library in 1991 and worked her way up to clerk of committees, the second-most-senior position in the legislature.