New cabinet
Chisholm gets fisheries, agriculture MacIsaac, Dooks add to strong local representation
HALIFAX - Guysborough - Sheet Harbour MLA Ronnie Chisholm is one of five cabinet newcomers appointed by Premier Rodney MacDonald last week. Chisholm has been given responsibility for both fisheries and agriculture. The new cabinet was sworn in last Friday morning in Halifax.
"I'm looking forward to it," Chisholm says of his new responsibilities. So far this week the new minister has been having briefings with senior officers in the two departments. "We have good teams," he says of the senior civil servants. "They know the issues and I'm looking forward to working with them."
Chisholm, who is known for often attending community events throughout the riding, says there's "no doubt" his ministerial work will cut into some time in Guysborough - Sheet Harbour. He says there will be more of a demand for him to be in Halifax and other parts of the province as minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.
"But I'm going to do my very best to continue with what I've been doing the past six or seven years." He notes that his new role also means that Guysborough - Sheet Harbour now has a voice at the cabinet table, giving him a new forum in which to fight for local issues.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is being realigned into two separate entities: the Department of Agriculture and Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture. In announcing his new cabinet, the new premier explained the change.
"By creating a stand-alone Department of Agriculture we are acknowledging the extraordinary importance of our farmers and farming communities," said MacDonald. "Our agricultural communities have told us they needed a single-access point for their dealings with government, and we agree.
"As well, we feel that the traditional fishing industry and the emerging aquaculture industry deserve direct contact with provincial government employees. This is one way to make sure government does its part to help this vital industry thrive."
Chisholm has also been appointed as minister responsible for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act. He recently acted as chair of the government caucus.
Giant's Lake native and Antigonish MLA Angus MacIsaac has moved over to Transportation and Public Works. MacIsaac has also been appointed as chair of Treasury and Policy Board. A former teacher, MacIsaac was first elected to represent the people of Guysborough in 1969 and re-elected in 1970. He returned to the Nova Scotia legislature in 1999, where he has served as Minister of Health, Minister for Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and Minister of Education. He is also responsible for the Sydney Steel Corporation Act and minister responsible for Gaelic Initiatives.
"This is the right team to help make a better future for Nova Scotian families and to build on the successes and prosperity of the past six-and-a-half years," says Premier MacDonald of his new cabinet. "This a team that is truly Nova Scotian, representing every corner of the province, and members are ready to do their part to help Nova Scotians realize their hopes and dreams.
"Together we will work to make sure Nova Scotia becomes stronger, more prosperous, and healthier."
MacDonald said that his cabinet and government will continue to co-operate and look for common ground with opposition parties, realizing that Nova Scotians want government to do its job, working for the people, not for partisan purposes.
With plans for new petroleum projects in the works in the riding, residents of Guysborough - Sheet Harbour may also be encouraged to see the MLA for Eastern Shore appointed as Minister of Energy. Bill Dooks has been MLA for Eastern Shore since 1999. He has a background in banking and established a construction and development company 25 years ago. He recently served as vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Resources, a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Veterans Affairs.
