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HALIFAX - Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau is now Nova Scotia's new Community Services Minister and Minister Responsible for L'Nu Affairs. The appointment comes midway through his inaugural term as a caucus member of Premier Tim Houston's Progressive Conservative majority government,

Boudreau takes the cabinet roles from Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane. MacFarlane is stepping down from cabinet to allow her name to stand as a nominee for Speaker of the House of Assembly in October. The Houston government's majority is expected to easily approve MacFarlane's nomination, which was touted by Premier Houston at the same press conference at which he addressed his new cabinet ministers.

Boudreau suggested his work as a chiropractor and chiropractic-clinic owner in Port Hawkesbury has given him the experience and empathy to address difficult issues within the Community Services file.

Houston also confirmed that Eastern Shore MLA Kent Smith will become Nova Scotia's new Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister. Smith replaces Steve Craig, who has confirmed that he will not reoffer in the 2025 provincial election.

Also new to cabinet is Twila Grosse. Grosse is now Nova Scotia's first black female cabinet minister. Grosse was elected to the riding of Preston in an August by-election. She is Nova Scotia's new Minister Responsible for African-Nova Scotian Relations and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia's Public Service. The positions were previously held by Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn. Dunn also announced he will not re-offer for the PCs in 2025.

Houston also assigned a new cabinet portfolio to Inverness MLA Allan MacMaster. MacMaster already serves as Deputy Premier, Finance Minister and Minister Responsible for Labour Relations. MacMaster will take on the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.