Nova Scotia’s new energy minister said one of his first priorities is to modernize the power grid and create more jobs in the sector.
In a cabinet shuffle, Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston handed the role over to Marco MacLeod after seven months of having the portfolio, himself.
Speaking to reporters, MacLeod said he wants to avoid having people feel they need to move somewhere else to get employment.
“My job is to make sure future generations don’t have to go to western Canada for work,” said MacLeod. “That they can work here at home.”
MacLeod worked as the assistant to Trevor Boudreau when he held the energy minister role, before he worked alongside Houston, making it what he called an “easy transition”.
“I learned that we gotta pursue the opportunities that we have,” said MacLeod. “It’s not ok to sit in an office all day. We actually gotta get out there.”
Opposition agrees with upgrades to grid, pushes for Nova Scotia Power review
The interim leader of the Liberals has already reached out to MacLeod, to build a “more affordable reliable energy future”.
In a letter, Iain Rankin agreed the grid needs to be modernized but also pushes for an independent review of Nova Scotia Power and to keep rates stable.
“Our province has enormous potential when it comes to energy, but we need a system that people can afford and depend on,” reads the letter. “Nova Scotians are counting on strong leadership on this file, and I hope we can make progress on those priorities.”
