New Brunswick’s incoming premier has unveiled which MLAs will serve as part of her government’s cabinet.
Susan Holt announced the 19-member executive council ahead of Saturday’s swearing-in ceremony.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead as we strive to make meaningful change for New Brunswickers so they can access the services they need, especially in health care, housing and education,” Holt said in a news release.
In addition to being premier, Holt will serve as the minister responsible for Official Languages.
René Legacy has been named deputy premier, finance minister and the minister responsible for energy.
Rob McKee will serve as justice minister and attorney general, as well as the minister responsible for addictions and mental health services
John Dornan, the former CEO of Horizon Health who was fired by former premier Blaine Higgs, has been named health minister.
Claire Johnson will serve as education and early childhood development minister while Keith Chiasson will take on the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.
Social development will go to Cindy Miles, who will also be the minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.
Chuch Chiasson has been named transportation and infrastructure minister while Isabelle Thériault will look after the tourism, heritage and culture portfolio.
Gilles LePage will serve as environment and climate change minister and will be responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
Aaron Kennedy, who defeated Higgs in his riding of Quispamsis, has been named local government minister and minister responsible for Service New Brunswick.
Robert Gauvin is the new public safety minister and will also be responsible for la Francophonie.
Alyson Townsend takes on three roles: post-secondary education, training and labour minister, minister responsible for the Research and Productivity Council, and minister responsible for the Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act.
John Herron will serve as natural resources minister and Pat Finnigan takes on the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries portfolio.
Lyne Chantal Boudreau will be responsible for seniors and women’s equality while David Hickey is the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation.
Jean-Claude D’Amours has been named intergovernmental affairs minister and will also oversee immigration and military affairs.
Luke Randall will be responsible for Opportunities NB, economic development and small business, as well as NB Liquor and Cannabis NB.
In addition, Francine Landry has been named the first francophone woman speaker of the legislature, with Guy Arseneault and Benoît Bourque as deputy speakers.
Marco LeBlanc will be appointed as government house leader and Jacques LeBlanc as government whip.
