Two PC Ministers have stated they will not be reoffering in the next provincial election.

“As we enter an election year, I have reached the difficult decision to not run again,” Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development Mike Holland stated in an email.

“I will continue to serve both in cabinet and as MLA until after the next election. I also will take on an active role in the next election campaign, to help Premier Higgs and my PCNB colleagues get re-elected.”

Holland also thanked the Premier for having faith in him as a Cabinet Minister.

Holland was first elected in 2018 and serves as the MLA for Albert.

Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, and Minister responsible for Immigration Arlene Dunn is quitting cabinet, and has also said she will not be reoffering in the upcoming election.  She is expected to also resign from her role as MLA for Saint John Harbour.

Premier Blaine confirmed Dunn’s departure during a news conference on Friday morning.

Dunn is expected to release a statement on Friday morning with more details about her decision.

A provincial election is scheduled for October 2024, unless one is called earlier by Premier Higgs.

As a result of news from the two Ministers, Higgs announced a cabinet shuffle this morning.

Greg Turner now adds another portfolio, and is now the Minister for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Minister responsible for Immigration, Minister responsible for Opportunities NB and Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business.

Mike Holland will also now be responsible for Indigenous Affairs, along with Natural Resources and Energy Development.

More to come…