News release

Premier Announces Changes to Cabinet

Premier's Office

Premier Stephen McNeil announced changes to the Executive Council (cabinet) today, Oct. 13.

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, MLA for Lunenburg, joins cabinet as Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

Former Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine becomes Minister of the Department of Health and Wellness. Mr. Glavine, the MLA for Kings West, previously served as minister of the department from 2013-2017. He will continue to serve as Minister of Seniors.

Minister of Immigration, Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Lena Metlege Diab, MLA for Halifax Armdale, will also take over as Minister of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Derek Mombourquette, MLA for Sydney Whitney Pier and Minister of Energy and Mines, also becomes Minister of the Department of Lands and Forestry.

The appointments come after the recent resignations of the previous ministers of Health and Wellness, Labour and Advanced Education and Lands and Forestry.

"Ms. Lohnes-Croft is a dedicated MLA and brings a wealth of community experience to the Executive Council. I look forward to having her perspective around the cabinet table,” said Premier McNeil. “I also want to thank Ministers Diab, Glavine and Mombourquette for taking on added responsibilities at this time. Our government is committed to continued hard work on behalf of Nova Scotians."

Premier McNeil also named Rafah DiCostanzo, MLA for Clayton Park West, as chair of the government caucus.

All of the appointments are effective immediately.