Premier Stephen McNeil has announced a cabinet shuffle.

The MLA for Lunenburg, Suzanne Lohnes-Croft will assume her first cabinet role as minister for Communities, Culture and Heritage and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

Suzanne Lohnes Croft. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Former Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine returns to the health portfolio as Minister of the Department of Health and Wellness. 2017. He will continue on as Minister of Seniors.

Leo Glavine. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Lena Metlege Diab, the MLA for Halifax Armdale, will be serving double duty as well. Currently the Minister of Immigration, Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Ms. Diab will also take over as Minister of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Lena Metledge Diab. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

The final MLA to add a portfolio to their existing responsibilities is Sydney-Whitney Pier MLA Derek Mombourquette. The Minister of Energy and Mines, also becomes Minister of the Department of Lands and Forestry.

Derek Mombourquette. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Former ministers of Health and Wellness, Randy Delorey, Labour and Advanced Education, Labi Kousoulis and Lands and Forestry, Iain Rankin resigned their cabinet posts to run to replace Premier Stephen McNeil as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal party.

McNeil announced in August he was retiring from politics but would stay on until a new leader was chosen.

Party faithful will decide who will lead the liberals and by default, become premier of Nova Scotia on February 6.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson