Ministerial Assistants Announced
Premier Darrell Dexter today, March 15, announced the appointments of new ministerial assistants and changes in the assignments of others.
"Ministerial assistants are instrumental in helping to ensure that government policies and programs address the key priorities of government and make life better for Nova Scotia families," said Premier Dexter. "The new roles will put more emphasis on creating good jobs and growing the local economy, and taking advantage of opportunities like shipbuilding, energy and forestry.
"I want to welcome the appointees to their new roles and thank them for accepting this important responsibility."
Ministerial assistants will represent ministers and government to build relationships with important groups, and work with departments on policy and program development.
New appointees are:
- Becky Kent, Education
- Clarrie MacKinnon, Premier, Buy Local
- Michele Raymond, Immigration
Assignment changes include:
- Gary Burrill, Seniors
- Vicki Conrad, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, Forestry. Jim Boudreau will replace her as caucus chair
- Jim Morton, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, Small Business
- Sid Prest, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, Shipbuilding benefits
- Brian Skabar, Intergovernmental Affairs, Nova Scotia-New Brunswick co-operation
- Mat Whynott, Energy, Nova Scotia's Energy Plan
- Lenore Zann, Environment, Climate Change, Flood Control
Pam Birdsall will remain ministerial assistant for Communities, Culture and Heritage, and Gary Ramey will remain ministerial assistant for Health and Wellness.
The appointments are effective next week.
Ministerial assistants do not receive additional pay for their roles, and the positions are not full-time.