Don McRae has resigned as B.C. minister of social development and social innovation in order to help a family member in poor health, Premier Christy Clark has announced.

Clark said today (January 30) that first-term MLA Michelle Stilwell will assume the cabinet post on February 2.

"I fully support Don McRae's difficult and courageous decision to step away from the additional responsibilities of executive council at a time when he needs to focus on his family and his constituents," Clark said in a news release. "Michelle Stilwell has excelled at everything she has done, including as our caucus chair. She will continue to provide a strong voice from Vancouver Island in cabinet."

McRae will remain the MLA for Comox Valley.

Stilwell is the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and the government caucus chair. She has won four Paralympic gold medals.

Clark also named Darryl Plecas as parliamentary secretary for seniors to the minister of health, and Mike Morris as parliamentary secretary to the minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations.