New Nova Scotia Premier and Cabinet

Member Update/Impact

Today, Ian Rankin was officially sworn in as Premier of Nova Scotia.  He also appointed his first cabinet. See press release.

Premier Rankin has developed a reputation for being proactive on issues related to the environment and climate change.  While serving as Minister of Environment, he consulted with RCC on the development of an extended producer responsibility program for packaging and printer paper (PPP).  A cabinet shuffle prevented Minister Rankin from implementing the PPP program and subsequent Environment Ministers have shown little interest in implementing such a program.  It is assumed that under Premier Rankin’s leadership, a PPP program will eventually be implemented in Nova Scotia.

Background

Premier Rankin’s cabinet provides a departure from those of his predecessor, Stephen McNeil given that a number of high profile members of the McNeil government have stated that they will not reoffer in the next election. 

Of note to retailers are the following cabinet selections:

• Hon. Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Finance, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Inclusive and Economic Growth (formerly known as the Business Department)
• Hon. Keith Irving, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
• Hon. Randy Delorey, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.  This Department will be of interest to retailers as the government develops and enforces accessibility standards.
• Hon. Lena Metlege Diab will continue as Minister of Labour
• Hon. Lloyd Hines will continue as Minister of Transportation and Active Transit
• Hon. Keith Colwell continues as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Next Steps

RCC will be reaching out to the new Premier and cabinet on issues of importance to the retail sector. For more information contact Jim Cormier, Atlantic Director at jcormier@retailcouncil.org or (902) 818-7738.