Premier shuffles cabinet; two Yarmouth MLAs assigned to new portfolios

A number of Nova Scotia cabinet ministers have new responsibilities in a cabinet shuffle announced Wednesday afternoon by Premier Rodney MacDonald.

Among the new look of cabinet are changes to the portfolios held by Yarmouth County’s MLAs Chris d’Entremont and Richard Hurlburt.

Hurlburt, MLA for Yarmouth, goes from being minister of Energy to assuming the role of Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, a portfolio he held back in 2006.

Interestingly, Hurlburt’s reassignment comes at a time when the Georges Bank moratorium is coming back to the forefront, an issue that could have important significance for southwestern Nova Scotia. Barry Barnet is the new Minister of Energy.

D’Entremont, the MLA for Argyle, who had been the minister of Health for nearly three years, is now Minister of Community Services. D'Entremont will remain Minister of Acadian Affairs. Karen Casey replaces d’Entremont as health minister.

The new Executive Council was sworn in at 2 p.m. at the provincial legislature.

"It's been more than two years since we made major changes to the duties of our cabinet ministers," said Premier MacDonald. "It's an experienced team with a broad background. These changes will bring some new ideas to a number of departments, but maintain a level of overall stability within government.

"I believe we have the right people in place to lead us through what will be some challenging times as we begin the budget process."

The following is a complete list of cabinet ministers and their responsibilities:

-- Premier MacDonald is also president of the Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

-- Deputy Premier Angus MacIsaac also assumes a new role as Chair of the Treasury and Policy Board. He remains Minister of Gaelic Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway.

-- Michael Baker remains Minister of Finance and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

-- David Morse assumes new duties as Minister of Environment. He also becomes the Minister responsible for Emergency Management and the Minister Responsible for Military Relations. Morse has a direct connection to the military: one son is a military police officer, two other sons are members of the Military Reserves (West Novies), one of which has voluntarily served in Afghanistan.

-- Cecil Clarke remains Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Clark is also the government house leader and Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.

-- Barry Barnet is the new Minister of Energy. He is also the new Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. In addition, Barnet continues to be the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

-- Richard Hurlburt moves from his role as Minister of Energy to Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

-- Chris d'Entremont is the new Minister of Community Services. He moves from the Department of Health, where he had been minister for nearly three years. D'Entremont will remain Minister of Acadian Affairs.

-- Carolyn Bolivar-Getson takes over new responsibilities as the Minister of Natural Resources. She maintains her duties as the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

-- Brooke Taylor, who was involved in the trucking business for many years, is the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. He is also the Minister responsible for the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency.

-- The Department of Economic Development has a new name and new minister. Murray Scott is the Minister of Economic and Rural Development. The name change was made to better reflect the role and goals of the department. Scott is also the Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc.

-- Bill Dooks remains Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, and is also the Minister responsible for the Heritage Property Act.

-- Ronald Chisholm continues as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

-- Judy Streatch is the new Minister of Education. The former teacher and administrator has more than 15 years experience as an educator. Streatch will continue her duties as Minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

-- Mark Parent continues as Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. He is leaving the Environment portfolio, but adding responsibilities as Minister of Agriculture.

-- Len Goucher has several new duties to go with his position as Minister of Immigration. He is also Minister of the Public Service Commission, and Minister of Seniors. Mr. Goucher continues as Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.

-- Karen Casey, a former chair of the Colchester-East Hants Health Authority is the new Minister of Health.

-- Pat Dunn, a backbencher, joins cabinet as the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. Dunn is a former teacher and administrator and has a long history of community involvement with a special focus on sports and recreation. Dunn will also be Minister of Volunteerism.

Dunn is the only new member of cabinet. Retiring MLA Jamie Muir will no longer be a member of cabinet.

"I'd like to thank Mr. Muir again for all his contributions to the province of Nova Scotia, and look forward to working with him as a member of the Progressive Conservative caucus," said Premier MacDonald. "I'd also like to welcome Mr. Dunn to cabinet and look forward to hearing his ideas as he assumes his new role."