Premier Tim Houston announced cabinet changes today that have made history.

Twila Grosse, the MLA for Preston, becomes the first female African Nova Scotian member of the Nova Scotia Executive Council as she joins the cabinet as the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister of the Public Service Commission.

Karla MacFarlane will be nominated as the first female Speaker once the House of Assembly returns on Thursday, October 12th. Until a Speaker is chosen, MacFarlane will retain he designation. Current Speaker Keith Bain will resign his post on the first day of the upcoming session and continue to sit as a MLA.

Trevor Boudreau, the MLA for Richmond, becomes Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for L’nu Affairs. Minister MacFarlane will assist Minister Boudreau at the Department of Community Services until the resumption of the House of Assembly.

Kent Smith, MLA for Eastern Shore, joins the cabinet as the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Allan MacMaster retains his current responsibilities as Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Minister of Labour Relations, Minister of Gaelic Affairs and Deputy Premier while also becoming the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Barbara Adams becomes the Minister responsible for Military Relations as well as continuing her work as Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Jill Balser becomes the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women and retains her portfolio as Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

-via Nova Scotia