A newly announced cabinet shuffle also brings a shift in focus for New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for housing. Jill Green will now take on the social development portfolio along with responsibility for the provincial Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, while her previous oversight of Service New Brunswick, the ministry responsible for delivery of government services and procurement, is transferred to another minister.

The shuffle responds to four recent ministerial departures — two through resignation and two through dismissal — and upheaval both within the governing Progressive Conservatives and the broader public over the government’s revision of policies related to LGBTQ students in New Brunswick’s primary and secondary school systems.

“The changes announced today will allow some fresh perspectives and approaches to be brought to the table and will allow us to continue to focus on our priority areas,” says Premier Blaine Higgs.

Mary Wilson has been named the new Minister of Service New Brunswick, which includes responsibility for property assessment. Also of interest to development and property management, Glen Savoie is the new Minister of Local Government, while retaining his earlier role as Minister responsible for la Francophonie.