Kim Horn is the Executive Lead of Crown Agency Policy and Strategy Initiatives in the Crown Agencies Secretariat with the provincial government.
A relatively new agency established at the end of 2020, this group helps government support large Crown corporations and public sector organizations (PSOs), including the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), BC Lottery Corporation, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, and others.
“The LDB is a distinct organization with a unique role operating a business in the public sector. We’re not intended to be in their way, but it’s helpful for big organizations to have a dedicated team to work in partnership with them and move decisions through,” says Horn.
“We help ensure that information and direction flows both ways.”
In addition to cross-ministry engagement, issues management, and stakeholder relations are other key roles that Horn’s team plays. For instance during the 2021 floods and 2022 strike, her team worked closely with the LDB staff through these challenging times. “There is a massive stakeholder community that needs information during events like these, but government needs information too, which is where we come in,” Horn notes. “We help ensure that information and direction flows as it should, both ways.”
Horn also works closely with various industry stakeholders, including the Alliance of Beverage Licensees and Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP). As other ministries also touch on the liquor file, like tourism and agriculture, “We coordinate government’s interface with BTAP, ensuring the right information and right people are at the table to move things forward,” she says.
No day is the same in Horn’s world, but it usually starts by being woken up by a dog or kid. “My husband hands me a cup of coffee and I’ll check emails, deal with the urgent things, chase the kids around, and get everyone out the door.”
Horn can work from home or the office but given the nature of her work and the number of ministries they support, she finds it easier to be at the office. “I am back and forth to the legislature often. Plus I like to see my colleagues,” she says.
Horn loves the variety and cross-government nature of her role—it’s one of the reasons she came to it. In addition to her work with PSOs, she wears multiple hats, including managing the organization’s budget and other corporate functions, regularly briefing deputies and ministers.
“Midday, Horn will break to get some fresh air.”
Midday, Horn will break to get some fresh air. “Sometimes I’ll also roll out my yoga mat. I’ve stopped caring if people look weirdly if I’m doing some yoga in the office,” she laughs.
Outside of work, Horn is active with her blended family of five children and loves the outdoors.
“During the week, our kids are into a bunch of activities. We do a lot of driving kids around during the school year. In summer, we enjoy camping, especially at our favourite place on Quadra Island.” Horn loves to trail run with her dog and four years ago started learning to mountain bike, a sport that’s taken her all over BC.
Horn has worked in government for the majority of her career, first for the government of Ontario in Kingston and then for the federal government in Ottawa, before returning to BC where she grew up.
“I really try to take the time to understand where they’re coming from.”
She thrives at building relationships and gravitates towards complexity, traits that have served her well in working with the liquor industry.
“People are passionate about their livelihoods in this industry. I really try to take the time to understand where they’re coming from. It’s a fascinating sector—there is no shortage of things to learn, and it is certainly never boring!”