2021-03-03

Lunenburg MLA remains in provincial cabinet

Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft remains in the provincial Liberal government's inner circle as newly-minted Premier Iain Rankin keeps her in the communities, culture and heritage portfolio.

Rankin, sworn-in as Nova Scotia's 29th premier, appointed his executive council February 23, which includes Lohnes-Croft, a government member since 2013.

Lohnes-Croft, who's committed to seeking re-election, was first named communities, culture and heritage minister in October 2020 by then-Premier Stephen McNeil. She was happy to learn she was staying put.

"I think he realized it was a good fit," she told LighthouseNOW, referring to Rankin, "and I was quite pleased to be there."

The portfolio also includes Gaelic affairs and the voluntary sector.

There's "a lot of culture and arts in Lunenburg County," said Lohnes-Croft, "and I run into a lot of it in my work as a MLA." She also has first-hand experience. "It's very much a part of who I am as an individual," she added. "I've either volunteered in it, or worked in it."

The Rankin government now is turning its focus to a budget and a provincial sitting of the legislature.

While loyal to McNeil, Lohnes-Croft indicated she's excited about bold ideas and the new approach of the new Rankin administration.

"Part of our mandate letters, I understand, will have a commitment that each department will look for ways to participate in climate change and move that agenda forward."

Several government departments were renamed to reflect Rankin's focus on population growth, climate change and infrastructure issues.

A cabinet post translates to a substantial pay raise for MLAs ascending to executive council.

An MLA's base salary is $89,234.90 but another $49,046.51 is added to a lawmaker's annual pay if the individual is made a minister with a portfolio.

Prior to Lohnes-Croft, the late Michael Baker was the last cabinet minister in the riding, having been in charge of finance and justice in the John Hamm and Rodney MacDonald Conservative governments.