Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston speaks to reporters Thursday in Halifax. Photo by Glenn MacDonaldArticle contentTim Houston had a simple, direct response when asked if there are internal issues within his Progressive Conservative caucus.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Nonsense,” the Nova Scotia premier told reporters Thursday.Article contentArticle contentLast week, the premier shook up his cabinet, shuffling out three people while bringing in two new members and reassigning other roles. Trevor Boudreau (energy), Tory Rushton (natural resources) and Becky Druhan (justice) were all moved out of cabinet.Article contentArticle contentDruhan, the MLA for Lunenburg West, announced in a Facebook post Monday that she had quit the PC party and will sit as an Independent.Article contentHouston’s remarksArticle contentHouston said Thursday the shuffle was “about getting the right people in the right place.”Article content“These are tough decisions,” Houston said. “You make decisions and you move people around. They’re all good people. They’re all people I would consider friends in many ways, but certainly strong colleagues. These are tough, tough decisions.Article content“But, as premier, it’s my responsibility. We have a very large caucus, a lot of diversity of thought, diversity of background, a lot of highly intelligent people. So as premier it’s just my responsibility to make sure that we’re using the skills we have for the benefit of Nova Scotians.”Article contentDruhan, a lawyer who also served as attorney general, said in an interview with CBC News that her decision was “about a difference of principles between my views and those of the leadership.”Article contentArticle contentHouston dismissed that claim.Article contentArticle content“These are tough decisions for me,” he said, “they have an impact on people, and people have their own responses to that. I certainly wish her all the best, and I wish her every success in the role as an Independent.Article content“But I think we have a pretty strong party. I hear from grassroots members all the time, encouraging us to keep going on the path we’re going.Article content“We have a big deficit, we have to grow our economy, and I think with this caucus, we’re all in the same direction. We have a great team, incredible caucus, incredible cabinet and great support from the party.”Article contentDruhan was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2024 and has also served as the minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.
Houston says internal strife ‘nonsense’ and Nova Scotia’s cabinet shuffle about getting the right people in the right place
