News Release Archive
PREMIER--JAY ABBASS STEPS DOWN/ALAN MITCHELL NEW JUSTICE MINISTER ----------------------------------------------------------------- Premier John Savage said today he has accepted "with regret" a decision by Justice Minister Jay Abbass to leave cabinet to pursue opportunities in the private sector. "Jay has informed me that he won't be a candidate in the next provincial election. In light of his decision not to re-offer, Jay decided it was best to step down from his cabinet post. However, he intends to remain as MLA for Halifax Chebucto until an election is called. "I accept Jay's decision to leave politics in favor of the private sector. But I do so reluctantly because Jay has been very supportive of me personally. More importantly, Jay has been an outstanding member of cabinet." Premier Savage noted that Mr. Abbass had served in three cabinet posts. "Jay played a prominent role in several important government initiatives. As Labour Minister he helped spearhead the overhaul of the Workers Compensation Board. He co-chaired the province's highly successfully G-7 Summit efforts. Most recently he took on the very difficult task of overseeing the compensation program for victims of abuse at provincially-run youth facilities." Premier Savage said Dartmouth-Cole Harbour MLA Alan Mitchell will be the new Minister of Justice. Mr. Mitchell, a lawyer, will be sworn in tomorrow morning (Wednesday, April 2) at 9 a.m. at Province House. The premier said he is fortunate to be able to replace Mr. Abbass with someone of the calibre of Alan Mitchell. "Alan is a very bright, capable and hardworking member of the government caucus. I have every confidence in Alan's ability to take on his new responsibilities." -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 trp Apr. 1, 1997 - 4:20 p.m.