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Twaila Grosse, first Black woman appointed as cabinet minister in Nova Scotia’s history

"Twila Grosse becomes the Minister of the Public Service Commission, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and the first female African Nova Scotian member of the Executive Council." Photo: Tim Houston / Facebook.
“Twila Grosse becomes the Minister of the Public Service Commission, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and the first female African Nova Scotian member of the Executive Council.” Photo: Tim Houston / Facebook.

Twila Grosse, PC MLA for Preston, is now  Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister of the Public Service Commission following a cabinet shuffle on Thursday.

This makes Grosse the first Black woman in Nova Scotia’s history to hold a cabinet position in the provincial government.

“Twila has proven to be a hard worker dedicated to her community and she will make a strong addition to government. I congratulate her on this historic appointment and welcome her to the cabinet table,” said Premier Tim Houston.

Pat Dunn who Grosse replaces as Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs announced he will not be running for re-election. 

In the days that followed the 2021 provincial election where the PCs came to power with a majority government, the Halifax Examiner was the first to pose the question: ‘Who will be the next minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs?’ after the PCs failed to elect a Black MLA, despite running their most diverse slew of candidates in their history.

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Dunn is also now the former Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, being replaced by Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster who holds a number of additional cabinet positions.

Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane will be nominated as the province’s first female Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The legislature resumes on Thursday, October 12.

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Robert Wright is the acting interim director of African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. Photo: Matthew Byard

African Nova Scotian Justice Institute to continue ‘invisible’ legal work with renewed funding

The man in charge of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute says its legal work is largely “invisible,” but with renewed funding, it’s increasing its workload.

“Our role in shaping the law, and improving the law, and improving how the criminal justice system responds to and relates to Black people has already been substantial,” interim acting director Robert Wright said.

Lennett Anderson, Ali Duale, Suzy Hansen, Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Tony Ince, El Jones, Lyn Jones, Quentrel Provo, Angela Simmonds, Robert Wright

Who will be the next minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs?

PC premier-designate Tim Houston has no African Nova Scotian members in his caucus to choose from for the job.

Twila Grosse during her announced that she's running for the PCs in the upcoming Preston byelection. Photo: Matthew Byard

Twila Grosse running for PCs in Preston byelection [VIDEO]

The final candidate of the three major political parties has been announced for an upcoming byelection in the Preston riding.

Twila Grosse was announced as the PC Party’s candidate in an event in the riding on Tuesday night attended by Premier Tim Houston and members of the PC Caucus.

Grosse worked for 36 years as an accountant for the Halifax International Airport Authority before retiring in 2020.

Viola Cain, left, and June Ross hug after a ceremony where they were recognized for their longtime roles as foster parents. Credit: Contributed

Women from North Preston, Cherry Brook recognized for longtime work as foster parents

Two women from North Preston and Cherry Brook have been recognized for their work as the most tenured foster parents in the Halifax area.

Viola Cain and June Ross were honoured for their 75 combined years as foster parents at a recent foster families appreciation banquet.

Dwayne Provo. Photo: African Nova Scotian Affairs

Dwayne Provo appointed Associate Deputy Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

This is the first time government has appointed someone to the role to focus solely on the work of African Nova Scotia Affairs.

PC MLA for Pictou Centre Pat Dunn is the newly appointed Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Photo: Pat Dunn / Facebook.

Black community reacts to the appointment of a white Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

In the days following the Nova Scotia provincial election last month, where the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) won a majority government but failed to elect any Black MLAs, the Halifax Examiner was the first to pose the question: Who will be the next minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs?

On Tuesday, that question was answered when Pat Dunn, PC MLA for Pictou Centre, who is white, was announced as the new minister for both African Nova Scotian Affairs and the brand-new Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Dunn replaces Liberal MLA for Cole Harbour, Tony Ince, who is Black.