South Shore-St. Margarets MP Bernadette Jordan is Nova Scotia’s newest federal minister.
The appointment is one that has been met by enthusiasm amongst municipal leaders across the South Shore; Jordan was named minister of rural economic development during the most recent cabinet shuffle.
David Dagley, mayor for the Region of Queens Municipality, said he is pleased by the results of the federal shuffle.
“It should be much to the benefit of the South Shore,” he said. “Bernadette has been very supportive of our activities in the Region of Queens and has done, in cooperation with her staff, all that we could ask in our area.”
Dagley added that Jordan will have a greater accessibility to other ministers and as a minister herself, will be able to help tackle issues like rural internet for her constituents.
“Rural internet is a major concern,” he said, noting that the municipality is working on improving connectivity throughout the region.
Penny Smith, warden for the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, said Jordan brings a wealth of experience to her new department.
“She has a deep appreciation and understanding of the challenges faced by rural municipalities and we are confident she will continue to be a strong voice for the development and growth of rural Nova Scotia and rural Canada,” said Smith.
Smith also noted that Jordan has been a trailblazer in politics, having been the first woman federally elected in her riding and the first minister of her new department.
Moving forward, Smith said she hopes to work with Jordan on improving internet and negotiating funds for a new municipal building.
“In her new role, Minister Jordan can support our efforts, remove and eliminate the red tape and make funds available so that we can move forward with our broadband internet projects,” she said.
Lastly, Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell also expressed his excitement at the announcement.
The move, he said, would benefit both Jordan’s riding and rural communities across the country.
“Bernadette understands rural communities and the challenges they face,” explained Mitchell.
“I believe her community involvement, including her time at the local paper and the health services foundation over many years is a huge asset in her new role.”
Mitchell noted that the challenges in Jordan’s riding are the same challenges she will attempt to address as minister of rural economic development.
“I believe it’s good to have a minister in your riding be it at the provincial or federal level,” he said.
