Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston made significant changes to his cabinet on Tuesday, surprising many. Three ministers – Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau, Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton, and Justice Minister Becky Druhan – were removed from their positions.
Scott Armstrong is now in charge of the justice portfolio and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. Emergency Management Minister Kim Masland has taken on additional responsibilities by adding natural resources to her duties. The premier himself will oversee the energy portfolio, focusing on offshore wind and critical mineral development.
Barbara Adams, who is the deputy premier and minister of seniors and long-term care, will now also handle the portfolio of opportunities and social development previously held by Armstrong. John A. MacDonald, the Hants East MLA, has been appointed as the new municipal affairs minister, assuming this role from Finance Minister John Lohr.
Given the projected deficit of $1.2 billion, Lohr is expected to be occupied preparing the 2026-27 provincial budget. John White, the Glace Bay-Dominion MLA, has joined the cabinet as the new minister responsible for housing. Although housing will not become a separate department, White’s appointment addresses criticism that the government lacked a dedicated housing focus during a persistent housing crisis, a responsibility previously held by Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc.
These changes were formalized in a private ceremony on Tuesday.
