2021-09-08

South Shore MLAs react to Cabinet placements

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The fact that they are now cabinet ministers in Nova Scotia's new PC government is beginning to sink in for three South Shore MLAs.

At a special ceremony August 31 at the Halifax Convention Centre, where Premier Tim Houston introduced his new cabinet, Susan Corkum-Greek (Lunenburg) was named the new Minister of Economic Development, Becky Druhan (Lunenburg West) Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Kim Masland (in her second term for Queens) the Minister of Public Works, formerly called Transportation and Active Transit. Masland also becomes the government house leader.

The three South Shore MLAs were among 18 new cabinet ministers introduced by Houston, just one day after been sworn in as MLAs representing their districts.

"I'm not quite back on the ground yet," Corkum-Greek commented to LighthouseNOW.

"I have to say I decided to seek the PC nomination on the basis of my deep belief that Tim Houston is the right person to lead Nova Scotia. I'm deeply honoured by his confidence in me by giving me these additional responsibilities," she said.

She admitted that, on a personal level, she could not have asked for a more inspiring portfolio and said her past experiences will help her throughout her term. She has worked as a reporter and editor previously for this newspaper, was a founding member of the Lunenburg Waterfront Association and, most recently, was the general manager of the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance.

"These experiences have shown me first-hand what is possible when we reach higher, and I find that so inspiring," said Corkum-Greek. "I'm a huge believer in the potential of this province, and particularly in the ability of small-and medium-sized businesses and even community non-profits to be creative, innovative and truly world-leading."

However honoured she is to be named to Cabinet, she said it was also an honour to be elected to serve the people of the constituency of Lunenburg, and "they will remain my utmost priority."

Druhan, a lawyer and resident of Italy Cross, indicated the magnitude of her Cabinet selection struck her as she was sitting among the crowd at the Halifax Convention Centre waiting to hear her name called. "It is such an important, historical event. It was really a moment to kind of sit back and reflect" said Druhan."I am really feeling excited, and it's really an honour to be given this responsibility."

Her immediate priority is to familiarize herself with the portfolio and meet up with various stakeholders with the priority of "building relationships." However, she said the education portfolio is one that she is excited about.

"I was interested in being involved in whatever way I could be of best service. Education is a portfolio that, with the right investment, focus and work, it can really reap dividends down the road for all Nova Scotians."

LighthouseNOW reached out to Masland for a comment, however she was not available at the time. On her Facebook page on August 31, Masland commented, "It would be an understatement to say that today was a day I will not soon forget. To be appointed to Premier Houston's Cabinet is an enormous honour that I do not look upon lightly. I did not take my oaths lightly either, and I will work harder than ever as the Minister of Public Works, and as your MLA for Queens."