Nova Scotia’s new 21-member cabinet sworn in at Halifax ceremony

Premier Tim Houston made significant changes to his cabinet on Thursday, expanding the size of his team to 21 members. This move saw familiar faces shifted to new roles, new faces introduced, and the reorganization of several government departments.

In this new cabinet, Houston will oversee trade, priorities and planning, as well as intergovernmental affairs. Additionally, as president of the executive council, he will lead the government’s decision-making process.

Barb Adams retains her responsibilities for seniors, long-term care, and military relations, and also takes on the role of deputy premier. John Lohr steps into the position of finance minister, taking on labor relations and maintaining the municipal affairs portfolio.

Several former cabinet ministers have been replaced in this restructuring. Brendan Maguire is now the education minister, with added responsibility for advanced education. Becky Druhan transitions from education to justice and becomes the province’s new attorney general, overseeing the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

Former cabinet minister Susan Corkum-Greek is not part of the new cabinet, with her economic development portfolio being rebranded as Growth and Development. Colton LeBlanc will now lead this department, along with Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.

Fred Tilley, who recently crossed the floor from the Liberal party, secures a cabinet post as the new public works minister. Other notable appointments include Tim Halman as environment and climate change minister, Jill Balser as minister for Service Nova Scotia and cybersecurity, and Dave Ritcey as minister for communities, culture, tourism, and heritage.

The Community Services Department has been renamed Opportunities and Social Development, with Scott Armstrong taking on this portfolio. Leah Martin, the first Mi’kmaw member of the Nova Scotia Legislature, has been appointed minister of Communications Nova Scotia, L’nu affairs, and youth.

Tory Rushton remains as natural resources minister, while the energy portfolio is now under the leadership of Trevor Boudreau. Several cabinet ministers from the previous mandate will continue in their roles, including Michelle Thompson, Brian Comer, Greg Morrow, Kent Smith, and Twila Grosse.

The ceremony introducing the new cabinet was closed to reporters, a departure from tradition due to capacity issues at the Halifax Convention Centre. Despite limited access, Premier Houston expressed excitement about the changes and assured reporters of continued transparency and communication.

Overall, the revamped cabinet under Premier Tim Houston signals a fresh direction for the government of Nova Scotia, with a focus on key priorities and a diverse team to lead the province forward.