Statement from the Premier's Office

The premier's chief of staff was informed on Dec. 19, by Andrew Younger about personal matters that may require Mr. Younger's full attention.

The chief of staff informed the premier the same day.

The chief of staff and Andrew Younger met on Dec. 23, at which time Mr. Younger requested, in writing, a temporary leave from his ministerial duties to deal with personal matters.

The premier granted the temporary leave.

The premier's office will provide no details of the personal matters. That is for Mr. Younger to discuss, should he choose to do so.

Mr. Younger is on temporary paid leave from his duties as the minister of Energy, Communications Nova Scotia and Part I of the Gaming Control Act. He remains the MLA for Dartmouth East.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson has assumed Mr. Younger's cabinet portfolios temporarily.