Barb Adams named Nova Scotia's new justice minister

Days after Nova Scotia's justice minister and attorney general resigned for comments that questioned the pervasiveness of domestic violence in the province, another cabinet minister has been tasked with taking on the roles.

Premier Tim Houston announced Monday that Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barb Adams is adding the roles of justice minister and attorney general to her duties.

"Barbara has been doing an excellent job as minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, bringing passion, empathy and determination to the role," Houston said in a news release.

"I know that she will bring those same qualities to the Department of Justice as we work to improve the system and implement the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission."

Controversial comments spark resignation

Adams was scheduled to be sworn in during a private ceremony on Monday, less than three days after Brad Johns resigned following his controversial comments.

Speaking on what was the fourth anniversary of the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 22 Nova Scotians, Johns told reporters last week that he disagreed with the Mass Casualty Commission's characterization of domestic violence as an epidemic. Johns said he thought drugs and gun violence are bigger issues.

An apology attributed to Johns was issued later in the day. He also made efforts to contact organizations supporting women and survivors of domestic violence to discuss the situation. By Friday evening, however, a news release from Houston said Johns was out of cabinet.

Houston's appointment of Adams speaks to his confidence in a minister who knows her portfolio as well as anyone in cabinet, is a strong communicator and has been a steadfast backer of the premier dating back to his bid to lead the Progressive Conservatives.

Johns says he 'misspoke'

As for Johns, in an interview with The Canadian Press, he said he "misspoke" on Thursday, adding that domestic violence is a priority for the government and his former department.

"As minister, it's important to have the confidence of the groups that you are working with," he said Monday.

"Actions speak louder than words. I didn't want organizations to think that domestic violence wasn't important to me and to the government."

Johns said he realized that the only way to demonstrate the government's commitment to the issue was to resign as justice minister.

"I recognize domestic violence is so prevalent in society and that so many people don't talk about it. But I recognized [my comments] may be damage that I can't repair," he said prior to word of Adams's appointment.

"Hopefully the premier can put somebody in there that can regain the confidence of those groups."

Johns, who represents the Halifax-area district of Sackville-Uniacke, said he is staying on as a member of the Progressive Conservative caucus.

MORE TOP STORIES