Tory Premier Tim Houston stands by his decision to appoint a white MLA to African Nova Scotian Affairs.
Veteran MLA Pat Dunn of Pictou Centre was sworn in with the PC cabinet on Tuesday.
Houston acknowledges the criticism swirling on social media over the appointment, but says “democracy works best” when people who are elected are put into these positions.
“We had a lot of diversity in our candidates, and I thought they were great community leaders,” Houston says. “I was expecting that some of them would get elected. The people in those constituencies this time around chose differently. That’s the will of the people.”
Houston adds he will make sure the community is respected and their concerns are heard by government.
“My commitment to the community as premier is the buck always stops with me,” Houston says. “The community will be heard, will be respected, and we will work with them. Our minister will listen to them, respect them, and work with them. We’re optimistic. I understand the emotions of it, but that shouldn’t be interpreted as not being concerned about listening to the community.”
There were no Black Tory candidates among the party’s 31 members who were elected.
Houston could have selected an opposition member or a prominent member of the community to serve in the role but chose not to.
There were a record five black MLA’s elected between the Liberals and NDP.
