Kelowna

The call most MLAs hope to get, at some point in their political career, came for Norm Letnick Tuesday - the call to join cabinet.

"I met with the premier yesterday (Tuesday) and she invited me into her cabinet. I was very appreciative of the invitation," says Letnick.

Wednesday morning, Letnick was introduced as the province's new Agriculture Minister during a re-tooling of cabinet made necessary by a number of high profile resignations.

"I take the privilege of serving, not only my constituents, but now all of British Columbia, very seriously and with great humility," says Letnick who admitted he was prepared to join cabinet or remain as a private member if that is what the premier wished.

Letnick, a first term MLA has always stated he was happy to just serve his Kelowna-Lake Country constituents, but now looks forward to the challenge of doing both.

"I have always looked at that as my primary objective - to be the best advocate for the people of Kelowna-Lake Country. I will continue to be that advocate," stated Letnick.

"Now, I have the added responsibility of being part of cabinet. I'm a workaholic and luckily I have a very supportive family."

He says he will continue to give it his all 24-hours a day, somethinhttp://www.castanet.net/admin/g he will need in order to get up to speed in a very key provincial ministry.

Letnick describes the learning curve as taking a fire hose down his throat and turning on the water.

"That's typically what happens - you have a very steep learning curve. I anticipate that's what happened with Steve (Kelowna-Misison MLA Thomson) and that's what happened with Ben (Westside-Kelowna MLA Stewart). Now it's my turn to feel the pressure of that hose.

Letnick says he will also lean on both Thomson and Stewart, who have, and will continue to serve in cabinet, for advice.

"It will help me get through that learning curve that much more quickly. And consulting with them on key issues in cabinet, will also be something I'll be doing."

One advantage Letnick believes he has in getting up to speed is his familiarity with the agriculture industry, especially throughout the Okanagan.

He has advocated for BC Tree Fruits and the BC Fruit Growers Association during his time in government.

How long Letnick remains in cabinet is anyone's guess.

The ruling Liberals continue to trail the NDP by about 20 points in the polls in advance of a May 13, 2013 provincial election.

Video: Premier Christy Clark announces the cabinet shuffle.