News release

Premier Announces New Cabinet Lineup

Premier's Office

Premier Rodney MacDonald added some new faces today, June 26, and moved some familiar faces into new portfolios as he named the 18 members who will form his new cabinet. The provincial Executive Council will be sworn in on Tuesday, June 27, at 11 a.m. in Halifax.

"We have a strong team in place," said the premier. "This a team that represents the voice of experience and the enthusiasm needed to represent the interests of families right across this province. This is a team that is ready to get on with the work that will make this province stronger, more prosperous, and healthier."

Premier MacDonald said the three new faces -- including Kings North MLA Mark Parent and two newly elected members, Len Goucher of Bedford and Karen Casey of Colchester North -- will bring fresh new ideas to the cabinet table.

As premier, Mr. MacDonald will also serve as president of the Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Antigonish MLA Angus MacIsaac assumes the positions of deputy premier and deputy president of the Executive Council. Mr. MacIsaac, who was first elected to the House of Assembly in a 1969 byelection, also retains his responsibilities as Minister of Transportation and Public Works, chair of the Treasury and Policy Board and Minister responsible for the Sydney Steel Corporation Act and for Gaelic Initiatives.

Michael Baker continues his role as Minister of Finance, and of Aboriginal Affairs. The MLA for Lunenburg is also government House leader, Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act, the Securities Act, the Insurance Act, the Elections Act, the Retail Business Uniform Day Closing Act and for the Utility and Review Board.

Jamie Muir, whose previous portfolios have included the departments of Health, Education, and Justice, becomes Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The MLA for Truro-Bible Hill is also Minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act.

Ernest Fage, the MLA for Cumberland North, returns to cabinet as Minister of Human Resources and Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission. Mr. Fage, who was first elected in 1997, also resumes duties as Minister of Emergency Management.

David Morse, the MLA for Kings South since 1999, moves from his previous role as Minister of Community Services to the Department of Natural Resources.

Barry Barnet retains his position as minister of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection. The MLA for Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville, also continues his role as the province's Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and continues with responsibilities for the new portfolio of Minister of Volunteerism. He is also Minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

Richard Hurlburt, a former warden of Yarmouth County with a strong business background, assumes new duties as Minister of Economic Development, Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc. and for the Innovation Corporation Act.

Chris d'Entremont continues the duties he assumed in February as Minister of Health and remains Minister of Acadian Affairs. The MLA for Argyle is a former broadcaster who has also served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Carolyn Bolivar-Getson takes on responsibilities for the Office of Immigration. A small business owner and former municipal councillor, the MLA for Lunenburg West is chair of the Seniors' Secretariat and will be Minister of the soon-to-be-created new portfolio dedicated to Seniors. She is also Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, the Liquor Control Act and for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act.

Brooke Taylor, who has served in the legislature since 1993, and was the Minister of Natural Resources in Premier MacDonald's first cabinet, becomes the new Minister of Agriculture. The MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley is also responsible for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act.

Murray Scott, a former police officer, retains his February postings as Attorney General and Minister of Justice. The MLA for Cumberland South is also Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act, the Regulations Act and Part II of the Workers' Compensation Act.

Bill Dooks, the MLA for Eastern Shore, remains Minister of Energy, a post he first assumed in February of this year.

Ron Chisholm continues his duties as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Mr. Chisholm is the MLA for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour.

Judy Streatch is the new Minister of Community Services. Ms. Streatch, who has been the MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's since winning a byelection in 2005, is a former French Immersion teacher. She is also Minister responsible for Disabled Persons' Commission Act.

Mark Parent, who was first elected to the House of Assembly in July 1999, assumes his first cabinet duties as Minister of Environment and Labour. The pastor and author also becomes Minister responsible for Part II of the Gaming Control Act, and for the Workers' Compensation Act (except Part II).

Another new face at the cabinet table is Len Goucher, a former member of the Halifax Regional Municipality council, who assumes duties as Minister of Tourism Culture and Heritage. Mr. Goucher, who has 30 years experience in the airline industry and has been a member of the board of directors for Destination Halifax since its inception, is also Minister responsible for the Heritage Property Act.

Karen Casey, a retired school board administrator and former school principal, takes over duties as Minister of Education. The newly elected member for Colchester North also becomes Minister responsible for the Youth Secretariat Act.

The swearing-in ceremony will be webcast at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, on the website at rtsp://media1.gov.ns.ca/broadcast/Legislature.rm .