NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at novascotia.ca/news/smr/2013-10-22-Executive-Council/ . Hi-res downloadable photos, video and audio clips will be added after the event.
At a ceremony in Annapolis Royal today, Oct.
22, Stephen McNeil was sworn in as the 28th Premier of Nova Scotia. Premier McNeil also welcomed 15 colleagues to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia at the ceremony.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured that the people of Nova Scotia have asked me to form a new government in our province,” said the premier. “The task before us will have its challenges, but I am eager to begin work — to build strong families and stronger businesses from one end of Nova Scotia to the other.”
The premier and the new cabinet were sworn in by Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. Premier McNeil said the executive council will be focused on the top priorities and key challenges facing our province.
“The executive council for our new provincial government represents a diverse mix of regions, cultures, experiences and educational backgrounds,” the premier said. “Each member is dedicated and committed to the job ahead. We will work tirelessly to address the needs of all citizens throughout Nova Scotia; citizens of all ages, in all regions, and of all cultural backgrounds.”
Diana Whalen was sworn in as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and the Treasury Board. The Treasury Board office and the Department of Finance will be merged. Ms. Whalen, a former Halifax councilor, was first elected 2003 and has a masters of business administration and is a certified management accountant.
Lena Diab becomes Nova Scotia’s first woman Attorney General and Minister of Justice. She is also the Minister of Immigration. Ms. Diab has been practicing Law for over 20 years in Halifax.
Former deputy speaker Leo Glavine is the Minister of Health and Wellness, and Seniors. Mr. Glavine, a former educator and high school administrator, was first elected in 2003 and has served as critic for a number of portfolios.
Well-known educator Karen Casey is Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. Ms. Casey was first elected in 2006 and has served as minister of Health and Education.
Kelly Regan is Minister of Labour and Advanced Education as well as the Minister responsible for Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Ms. Regan was first elected in June 2009 and has served as the Official Opposition critic for a number of portfolios.
Joanne Bernard is the Minister of Community Services and the Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act. The former executive director of Alice Housing has dedicated much of her life to work in the private sector and was awarded the Peter F. Drucker Award for Non Profit Management in Canada.
Keith Colwell is the Minister of Fisheries/Aquaculture and Agriculture and the minister responsible for Part II of the Gaming Control Act. He was first elected in 1993 and was a former minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Consumer Services (now Service Nova Scotia) as well as holding many other cabinet responsibilities.
Michel Samson is the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, Minister of Acadian Affairs and the Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc., and the Innovation Corporation Act. He was first elected in 1998 at 25, becoming the second youngest member elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. In December 1998, he was named Environment Minister, and became the youngest cabinet minister in the history of the province.
Andrew Younger is the Minister of Energy and Minister of Communications Nova Scotia. He will also be responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act. The former HRM councilor and business owner has served on a number of House committees as well as critic for a number of portfolios.
Tony Ince is the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage and the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. He is involved in several volunteer organizations and has a strong commitment to issues affecting youth, seniors and others facing challenges.
Zach Churchill is the Minister of Natural Resources. Mr. Churchill, who was Saint Mary’s student union president for two years also served as national director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, representing more than 300,000 students across Canada.
Mark Furey is the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and the Minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act. The 32-year veteran of the RCMP served with detachments throughout Nova Scotia and was the district commander for Lunenburg County.
Labi Kousoulis is the Minister of the Public Service Commission and Minister of the Voluntary Sector. Mr. Kousoulis has run a successful small business for 12 years.
Randy Delorey, who was a professor in the faculty of business at St. FX University, is the Minister of Environment and Gaelic Affairs.
Geoff MacLellan is the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. He is also the Minister responsible for the Sydney Steel Corporation Act and the Tar Ponds Agency.
Premier McNeil will also serve as the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Policy and Priorities, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister responsible for Military Relations.
For a list of responsibilities and cabinet members’ biographical information, visit nslegislature.ca/index.php/people/cabinet/ .
Source: Release