Deputy Minister Appointments

Premier Stephen McNeil announced changes in the senior ranks of government today, July 16.

Catherine Berliner, now associate deputy minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will become deputy minister of the department. Ms. Berliner brings 31 years of provincial and federal government experience to this leadership position and will be the first Indigenous person to serve as deputy minister in the province’s history.

Nancy MacLellan, the current deputy minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will become deputy minister of the Department of Seniors. Ms. MacLellan will bring focused leadership and strong implementation skills to the department, as she works with seniors and communities in advancing the next phase of SHIFT: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for an Aging Population.

Loretta Robichaud has been appointed deputy minister of Agriculture and of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Ms. Robichaud has acted in these roles since December 2019 and has extensive experience in strategic partnerships that can promote sector growth. Ms. Robichaud has 31 years’ experience with the Nova Scotia government.

“Working effectively with municipalities, seniors and our key resource sectors are high priorities for our government,” said Premier McNeil. “I am confident these women will provide the leadership to strengthen these relationships that are more important than ever before as Nova Scotia rebounds from the impacts of the pandemic.”

Premier McNeil also appointed two associate deputy ministers.

Mark Peck, executive director of Municipality Sustainability at Municipal Affairs and Housing, will become associate deputy minister of the department. Mr. Peck has 32 years of government experience, working closely with municipalities for the past 15.

Valerie Pottie Bunge, strategic advisor to the deputy minister of Justice, will become associate deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. Ms. Pottie Bunge has worked for the province for 15 years, including a focus on policy, strategy, stakeholder relationships and access to justice.

“I want to thank these senior officials for taking on these leadership roles,” said Premier McNeil. “They are experienced and dedicated to public service and delivering on the priorities of Nova Scotians.”

Changes are effective Monday, July 20.