Iain Rankin sworn in as 29th premier of Nova Scotia; announces cabinet ministers

Canada

"I am honoured to be serving with these dedicated people who, as a team, are excited and ready to get to work on behalf of all Nova Scotians, said Premier Rankin. "The changes made in government today are a first step in fulfilling my promise to put the province on track for a successful economic recovery from the global pandemic.

Lt.-Gov. Arthur LeBlanc presided over the swearing-in ceremony for Rankin and his new cabinet at the Halifax Convention Centre.

Rankin replaces Stephen McNeil who announced his retirement after 17 years in politics last August.

The former cabinet minister served under McNeil in the environment and the lands and forestry portfolios.

Rankin captured his party s top job by billing himself as an agent of generational change and has vowed to be a collaborative leader.

His new cabinet includes the creation of a new Department of Infrastructure and Housing led by Geoff MacLellan, a new Office of Equity and Anti-Racism led by Tony Ince, and a newOffice of Mental Health and Addictions under the Department of Health and Wellness, led by Zach Churchill.

Rankin s cabinet has some new faces, after several longtime members of the Liberal party announced they would not be seeking re-election following this term.

Rankin will also serve as president of the Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. He is Minister of the Department of LNu Affairs, formally the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, and responsible for youth, military relations and the Office of Citizen-Centered Approaches.