N.S. premier announces Treasury Board members, new House leader

Premier Tim Houston’s government has made more key appointments as it settles into its second mandate. In an order-in-council dated last Thursday, the same day Houston’s new cabinet was sworn in, Environment Minister Tim Halman was appointed as the chair of the Treasury and Policy Board. This powerful committee sets spending plans and policies for government operations and includes other key ministers such as Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Barb Adams, Finance Minister John Lohr, Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith, Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, and Social Development Minister Scott Armstrong.

For Tilley, this announcement marks another success after his decision to cross the floor from the Liberals to join the Progressive Conservatives just before the provincial election call in October. He was open about his desire to join cabinet and help shape provincial budgets. Meanwhile, Premier Houston announced that Education Minister Brendan Maguire will take on the role of PC government House leader in the legislature. The government House leader is responsible for guiding bills through the legislature and working with opposition party House leaders to ensure a smooth law-making process.

Maguire, who recently switched from the Liberals to the Tory caucus and cabinet, replaces Emergency Management Minister Kim Masland as the PC House leader. Masland held the position during the government’s first term in office. In addition to these appointments, Hants West MLA Melissa Sheehy-Richard will serve as deputy House leader, Kings West MLA Chris Palmer as the party whip, Hants East MLA John MacDonald as caucus chair, and Victoria-The Lakes MLA Dianne Timmins as the new deputy PC caucus chair.

These appointments signal a strategic shift in leadership within the PC government as they aim to streamline operations and navigate the legislative process more effectively. With a mix of experienced ministers and newcomers in key roles, Premier Houston’s government is poised to tackle the challenges ahead and deliver on their priorities for the province.