News release

Premier Dexter Unveils 12-member Cabinet

Premier's Office

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with photographs, video and audio clips, is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/20090619executive-council.asp .


After being sworn in as Nova Scotia's 27th premier, Darrell Dexter welcomed some veteran MLAs and new faces to his first cabinet at a ceremony in Halifax today, June 19.

"This first cabinet is small and focused on the immediate tasks at hand, yet representative of every major part of Nova Scotia," said Premier Dexter. "People living along country roads, in villages, towns and large urban areas will be heard."

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis swore in the 12-member Executive Council, marking the first time a Nova Scotia cabinet was sworn in by an African Nova Scotian. The public event, held at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, was webcast live over the Internet.

Premier Dexter said the new cabinet members will take their responsibilities seriously.

"We know that our loyalty is to the people of this province," said the premier. "We will go to work every day, knowing we must meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that face this province."

Premier Dexter will also serve as president of the Executive Council, chair of the Treasury and Policy Board, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Minister responsible for Military Relations.

Frank Corbett was sworn is as Deputy Premier and Deputy President of the Executive Council. He will also serve as Minister of the Public Service Commission and the Minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

Maureen MacDonald is the Minister of Health, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

John MacDonell is Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Natural Resources.

Bill Estabrooks is Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Minister of Energy, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, Minister responsible for the Gateway Initiative and Minister responsible for the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency.

Graham Steele is Minister of Finance, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.

Marilyn More is Minister of Education, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development and Minister of Volunteerism.

Sterling Belliveau is the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister of Environment.

Percy Paris is Minister of Economic and Rural Development, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Denise Peterson-Rafuse is Minister of Community Services, Minister of Seniors, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women and Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons' Commission Act.

Ramona Jennex is Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Minister of Emergency Management, Minister of Immigration and Minister responsible for Youth.

Ross Landry is Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

For a list of responsibilities and cabinet members' biographical information, visit http://gov.ns.ca/legislature/MEMBERS/cabinet/cabinet.html .