(Fredericton) Susan Holt became the first premier of New Brunswick on Saturday following the swearing-in of her government.
Published yesterday at 10:44 p.m.
Susan Holt and 18 cabinet ministers were officially sworn in during an afternoon ceremony in Fredericton led by Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy.
Members of the new cabinet include Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister René Legacy, Health Minister John Dornan, Education Minister Claire Johnson and Justice Minister Rob McKee.
Francine Landry, MP for the Madawaska Les Lacs-Edmundston riding, became the first French-speaking woman to be sworn in as President of the Legislative Assembly. Mme Holt, who speaks English and French, will also serve as the province’s minister responsible for official languages.
In her first speech as premier, Susan Holt thanked New Brunswickers in both languages for their trust in her party and promised to “lead with respect, collaboration and transparency.”
We will be open, we will go behind the scenes and we will go into communities across the province. New Brunswickers deserve to know the work that is being done on their behalf and to be able to hold us to account for the commitments we have made.
Susan Holt, first premier of New Brunswick
“We can be fiscally responsible and we can ensure New Brunswickers have access to the services they need and deserve,” added Ms.me Holt, emphasizing that health care, housing and education are crucial issues that his government intends to address.
Accompanied by her husband and three young daughters, Mme Holt thanked all those who were elected to the Legislature before her.
The liberals of Mme Holt ousted Blaine Higgs’ progressive conservatives from power in last month’s election. They won 31 of the 49 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Progressive Conservatives have 16 seats and the Greens 2.
The Liberals made more than 100 promises during last month’s election campaign, including implementing rent controls, improving access to health services and building more housing.
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