The Nova Scotia Premier’s office announced Tuesday that Andrew Younger’s portfolios have been reassigned effective immediately.
“It’s a private personal matter,” says Premier Stephen McNeil. “You’d have to ask Mr. Younger.”
McNeil says Younger told him that he had a personal issue that required his full attention. And so, Younger requested a temporary leave from his various responsibilities.
On October 22, 2013, Younger was appointed as Minister of Energy. He was also in charge of Communications Nova Scotia and Part I of the Gaming Control Act.
Younger will remain MLA of Dartmouth East. He has been very vocal on dealings with Nova Scotia Power. This fall, he helped get a bill passed that converted the moratorium on frackig to a law banning it.
Early last month, threats made to Younger were investigated by police. But, there’s no indication that the threats had anything to do with his decision to step away from provincial cabinet.
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson will take over Younger’s portfolios.
CTV tried unsuccessfully to contact Younger for an explanation at his constituency office and at his home.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant.
