Nova Scotia Cabinet and Public Service Shuffle

Today, the Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, announced changes to the Provincial Cabinet. These changes mark the first shuffle since the governing Progressive Conservatives (PC) took office in Summer 2021.

The shuffle is intended to replace Ministers not re-offering in the next election, bring diversity to the cabinet table and reward strong performers from the PC Caucus. While the shuffle was small, with public polling showing high levels of support for the governing PCs, a message of strength and continuity is an important factor.

The Iris Analysis

Minister Dunn and Minister Craig have indicated they don’t plan to re-offer in the next election, leaving the Premier room to elevate new faces to join the Provincial Cabinet. Both Members will remain in their role as MLA until the end of their term.

MLA Twila Grosse was recently elected in the Preston by-election. A retired accountant who worked at the Halifax International Airport, Grosse brings an important focus on diversity to the Cabinet and makes history as the first female African Nova Scotian Cabinet Minister. Popular in her riding, MLA Grosse and the Preston seat are important to the incumbent PCs, who will need to hold the seat in the next election. In her new role, Minister Grosse will be responsible for the Public Service Commission and African Nova Scotian Affairs.

MLA Trevor Boudreau was elected in the rural Cape Breton riding of Richmond in the 2021 election. A popular member of the PC Caucus and a strong performer in Committee, this appointment sends a signal that hard work pays off. Richmond is historically a challenging electoral riding for the PCs, and a position in Cabinet will support MLA Boudreau’s re-election. In this position, Minister Boudreau will be responsible for the Department of Community Services and L’nu Affairs.

MLA Kent Smith was elected in the riding of Eastern Shore in the 2021 election. Known to be a hard worker, MLA Smith will be one to watch in the new Cabinet. The Eastern Shore riding has elected a government member for decades. Minister Smith is tasked with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and his riding encompasses a significant fisheries sector.

In addition, following the Legislature’s return on October 12th, Speaker Bain will resign the position, and former Minister Karla MacFarlane will be nominated as the first female Speaker of the Legislature.

Other changes include:

• Allan MacMaster becomes Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, while retaining his current responsibilities as Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Minister of Labour Relations, Minister of Gaelic Affairs and Deputy Premier.
• Barbara Adams becomes the Minister responsible for Military Relations and continues as Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.
• Jill Balser becomes the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women and retains her portfolio as Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Today’s changes also include a significant shift in the senior ranks of the public service, including the creation of an Executive Deputy Team designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the province.

This shuffle makes necessary changes at the midway point of the government’s mandate but also signifies the government’s focus on the issues that got them elected, including healthcare, the economy, and its small-town rural base.

If you would like to discuss this with our team, please get in touch with one of our government relations experts, Trevor Floyd, Jeff Brennan, or Tyler Cameron.