New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has appointed Alyson Townsend as minister responsible for labour, effective immediately, splitting the portfolio from post-secondary education, the government announced Monday.
The appointment creates a standalone labour minister. Townsend previously served as minister of post-secondary education, training and labour until February, when she stepped back for health reasons, according to the government.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours will continue as minister of post-secondary education and training. D’Amours had been serving as acting minister for the combined portfolio since Townsend’s departure.
“I want to welcome Minister Townsend back and thank her for her willingness to step into this new role, as it is so important for government to have a voice at the table when it comes to promoting and supporting labour in this province,” Holt said in the announcement.
“I also want to thank Minister D’Amours for the work he has done, and will continue to do, to grow and develop post-secondary education and training,” Holt said.
The government did not provide details about specific labour initiatives or priorities for the new ministerial role. Townsend’s health-related absence lasted approximately seven months before her return to cabinet in this new capacity.
The appointment takes effect immediately, according to the premier’s office.
