N.S. premier announces ministerial assistant roles

Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia recently announced the reintroduction of ministerial assistants within the province’s largest caucus ever. This move mirrors past practices by governments such as Stephen McNeil’s Liberals in 2013 and the Darrell Dexter NDP in 2009, both of whom utilized ministerial assistants with large caucuses.

Unlike cabinet ministers or the Speaker of the House, ministerial assistants do not receive additional pay for their duties. Instead, they are tasked with focusing on priority files within their respective departments, supporting the minister, and aiding in policy development.

The appointments include former cabinet ministers Susan Corkum-Greek and Brian Wong, who were not reappointed last week. Corkum-Greek will serve as the ministerial assistant for the Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Department, with a specific focus on tourism. Wong, on the other hand, will be the assistant for Service Nova Scotia, concentrating on government procurement services.

Brad Johns, the MLA for Sackville-Beaver Bank, will take on the role of ministerial assistant for the Opportunities and Social Development Department, previously known as Community Services. Johns’ duties will exclude overseeing the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, a responsibility often associated with Community Services.

Other assignments within the caucus include David Bowlby for Agriculture, Rick Burns for Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Adegoke Fadare for Service Efficiency, Nick Hilton for Health and Wellness, John MacDonald for Growth and Development, Danny MacGillivray for Municipal Affairs, Marco MacLeod for Energy, Kyle MacQuarrie for Natural Resources and Gaelic Affairs, Brad McGowan for Education and Early Childhood Development, Tim Outhit for Public Works, Chris Palmer for Military Relations and Labour, Skills and Immigration, Ryan Robicheau for Finance and Treasury Board, Melissa Sheehy-Richard for Environment and Climate Change, Damian Stoilov for Growth and Development focusing on the Nova Scotia Loyal program, Tom Taggart for Public Works, Dianne Timmins for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Julie Vanexan for Advanced Education, and John White for Growth and Development focusing on housing.

This strategic move by Premier Houston aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations by delegating specific responsibilities to ministerial assistants within his expanded caucus. The diverse range of assignments reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing key issues and promoting growth and development within the province.