Tim Houston takes over as Minister of Energy in late-year cabinet shuffle

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

Talks about making Nova Scotia an energy superpower may have culminated in a late-year cabinet shuffle as the premier appointed himself as the new Minister of Energy.

Premier Tim Houston announced several cabinet changes on Tuesday, including his new expanded role in the energy portfolio. The press release from the province notes he will stay on as President of the Executive Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Trade.

“I want to turn Nova Scotia into an energy superpower,” Houston said. “Responsible resource development will power our economy for generations, combat poverty and help Nova Scotians earn more money.”

Amid the changes, Tory Rushton, Becky Druhan and Trevor Boudreau are no longer ministers and will stay on as MLAs.

Several ministers added further responsibilities to their portfolio including:

• Kim Masland: Minister of Emergency Management, will also take on the role of Minister of Natural Resources.
• Barbara Adams: will become Minister of Opportunities and Social Development and also maintain her current portfolios.
• Scott Armstrong: will be the new Attorney General, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Equity and Anti-Racism

An additional two members of the legislative assembly will become ministers, the press release notes.

John A. MacDonald, MLA for Hants East, is appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, while John Lohr will continue as Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, will become the Minister of Housing. Colton LeBlanc will remain Minister of Growth and Development.