HALIFAX – Cumberland North MLA Brian Skabar has a new job.
Skabar was appointed the ministerial assistant for intergovernmental affairs and Nova Scotia-New Brunswick co-operation.
First elected in 2009, Skabar had been serving as the ministerial assistant for intergovernmental affairs and aboriginal affairs.
The appointments were announced Friday by Premier Darrell Dexter.
The premier said ministerial assistants are important in helping ensure government policies and programs address government priorities and help make life better for Nova Scotia families.
“The new roles will put more emphasis on creating good jobs and growing the local economic, and taking advantage of opportunities like shipbuilding, energy and forestry,” the premier said in a news release.
Ministerial assistants will represent ministers and government to build relationships with important groups, and work with departments on policy and program development.
New appointees including Becky Kent in education, Clarrie MacKinnon for the premier and buy local and Michele Raymond for immigration.
Changes include: Gary Burrill (seniors), Vicki Conrad (economic and rural development and tourism and forestry), Jim Morton (economic and rural development and tourism and small business), Sid Prest (economic and rural development and tourism and shipbuilding benefits), Mat Whynott (energy and Nova Scotia’s energy plan) and Lenore Zann (environment, climate change and flood control).
Pam Birdsall will remain the editorial assistant for communities, culture and heritage and Gary Ramey remains for health and wellness.
Ministerial assistants do no receive additional pay for their roles and the positions are not full-time.
