Changes to Senior Leadership of Public Service

Premier Tim Houston announced changes to the senior leadership of the public service today, June 27.

Jennifer LaPlante is joining the public service as Deputy Minister of the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions starting July 7. Ms. LaPlante has more than two decades of experience in the information and technology sector with expertise in digital transformation, data governance, artificial intelligence and oceans technology.

Ms. LaPlante will take over for Natasha Clarke, who has announced her departure.

“I’m excited to welcome Jennifer LaPlante to the public service at a time when we are laser focused on unlocking Nova Scotia’s potential. The wealth of experience she will bring to the position will further set the province up for success,” said Premier Houston. “I thank Natasha for her dedication to the public service and wish her success in her future endeavours.”

Jeannine Lagassé, Deputy Minister of the Executive Council Office and Secretary to the Executive Council, is also leaving the public service after announcing her retirement.

“Jeannine has been a dedicated public servant with a number of challenging portfolios, including Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness and the Executive Council Office. I wish her well in her much-deserved retirement,” said Premier Houston.

Kathleen Trott, Deputy Minister of the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care and the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, will assume Deputy Lagassé’s roles at the Executive Council Office. She will retain the Addictions and Mental Health portfolio.

Lora MacEachern, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will become Deputy Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care while maintaining her current position.

Kimberly Stewart, Senior Executive Director of Operations at the Executive Council Office, will become Associate Deputy Minister of the Office of Addictions and Mental Health.

The appointments for Deputy MacEachern and Associate Deputy Minister Stewart will be effective July 7. The appointment for Deputy Trott will take effect August 2.