Changes announced to senior ranks of Nova Scotia public service
Premier Tim Houston recently made significant changes to the senior ranks of Nova Scotia’s public service, announcing new roles for some experienced public servants and the departure of long-serving individuals. These senior members of the public service are appointed at the premier’s discretion.
The newly appointed deputy and associated deputy ministers include Kathleen Trott as the deputy minister of seniors and long-term care, while also retaining her role as deputy minister of the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. Jason Hollett has been appointed as the deputy minister of agriculture, in addition to retaining his role as the deputy minister of fisheries and aquaculture. Christopher Shore is now the deputy minister of communities, culture, tourism, and heritage. Janet Lynn Huntington has been appointed as the associate deputy minister of seniors and long-term care, and Shelley James as the associate deputy minister of opportunities and social development (formerly known as community services). Vicki Elliott-Lopez is now the associate deputy minister of growth and development, with a focus on housing, while Mark Peck is the associate deputy minister of education and early childhood development. Robert Bourgeois has been appointed as the controller for the Department of Finance and Treasury Board.
Other changes announced by the premier’s office include Paul Lafleche taking on the additional role of deputy minister of public works and municipal affairs, in addition to retaining his executive deputy minister responsibilities. Tracey Barbrick is now the deputy minister of advanced education and deputy minister of education and early childhood development. Byron Rafuse has been appointed as the deputy minister responsible for housing, while Peter Hackett is the deputy minister for the Joint Regional Transportation Authority. Ryan Grant is now the deputy minister of labour, skills, and immigration. Jennifer Church has been appointed as the chief executive officer of the Office of Service Efficiency, while also remaining the deputy minister of Communications Nova Scotia and the Office of Priorities and Planning. Joanne Munro is now the chief executive officer of the Office of L’nu Affairs and remains the deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia. Kelliann Dean is the acting deputy minister of Growth and Development (formerly economic development), while also remaining the deputy minister of finance and treasury board and an executive deputy minister. Karen Gatien has been appointed as the deputy energy minister and remains the deputy minister of natural resources and an executive deputy minister. Sara Halliday is now the associate deputy minister of communities, culture, tourism, and heritage, Cynthia Carroll is the associate deputy minister of justice, Geoff Gatien is the associate deputy minister of health and wellness, Peter Geddes is the associate deputy minister of public works, and Vanessa Chouinard is the associate deputy minister of labour, skills, and immigration.
In addition to the appointments, Premier Houston also announced the departure of several individuals from their roles. Ava Czapalay, Justin Huston, Elwin LeRoux, and Loretta Robichaud are leaving their positions as deputy ministers, while Chris Collett is departing as an associate deputy minister and Peter MacAskill is leaving his role as the chief executive officer of Invest Nova Scotia. Departing deputies will receive 12 months severance in accordance with their contracts.
Fred Crooks, the former chief executive officer of the former Office of Regulator Affairs and Service Efficiency, is set to retire in 2025. Until then, he will assist with the transition to the new Office of Service Efficiency. These changes mark a significant restructuring of the senior ranks within Nova Scotia’s public service, underlining Premier Houston’s commitment to effective governance and service delivery.
