Former Progressive Conservative justice minister joins the Nova Scotia Liberal Party

HALIFAX – Becky Druhan, Nova Scotia’s former justice minister and Independent member of the legislature, has joined the provincial Liberals and plans to run for party leadership. 

Druhan represents the Lunenburg West riding in Nova Scotia’s South Shore and was elected twice as a member of Premier Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservatives. 

She left the party in the fall citing differences with the government’s leadership, and sat as an Independent during the most recent sitting of the legislature.

In an interview Monday, Druhan said she made the decision to join the opposition party because she feels aligned with the Liberal Party’s priorities. 

“I’m motivated by the same values that the community is looking for: responsible government, services that work for people, (economic) opportunities, a healthy, sustainable environment,” Druhan said.

“None of those things have changed, nor has my commitment to serve with diligence and integrity,” she added.

The announcement follows weeks of conversations with her constituents, Druhan said, and many community members have encouraged her to run to become the Liberal party leader. 

“I’m really grateful for the confidence that they’ve shown in me. So I do plan to put my name forward as Liberal leader,” she said, adding that she’s looking forward to working collaboratively with the Liberals, regardless of her role in the party.

The Nova Scotia Liberals were in power from 2013 until 2021, when the Tories led by Houston defeated them, winning a majority government.

Cape Breton University political scientist Tom Urbaniak said Druhan’s move represents a major win for the Liberals, a party that was reduced to just two members after the 2024 election.

“This is significant. And it makes them (Liberals) look like contenders,” Urbaniak said.

Druhan was a top performer in the most recent legislative session, Urbaniak said, showing “tremendous stamina and effectiveness as an independent MLA.” 

Druhan drew out debate on significant bills that needed more discussion, appeared to have researched and prepared for debates quickly and effectively, and she “was up on her feet until midnight in many cases,” Urbaniak said.

She was one of two Independents, the other being Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, during the recent sitting. 

Urbaniak said there’s always a trade-off when an elected representative joins a party after sitting as an Independent. 

“She’ll have flexibility and room to continue to do some of what she was doing, but if she becomes heavily involved in rebuilding the Liberal Party, if she becomes leader of the Liberal Party, there’s a lot of inside work that has to happen,” he said, which could redirect focus from championing constituent issues.

Druhan made the announcement in Bridgewater, N.S., on Monday, joined by the Liberal Party’s other two members: Derek Mombourquette and former premier Iain Rankin.

Rankin, the interim party leader, said Druhan’s experience and collaborative approach will strengthen the caucus as the Liberals rebuild the party and hold the Houston government to account.

In an emailed statement, Progressive Conservative caucus chair and MLA Chris Palmer said “while Mrs. Druhan is focused on her plan to run for the Liberal Party leadership, we will continue to work on behalf of the residents of Lunenburg West and all Nova Scotians to build up our economy.”

Druhan, upon leaving the PCs, attributed the decision to “some differences in principle” between her views and “those of leadership.” 

She did not mention Houston by name.

Druhan said Monday she still can’t get into detail on why she left government due to cabinet confidentiality. 

However, she said she’s concerned about how the government is handling its natural resources push, the economic strategy behind recent budget cuts and a lack of transparency around decision making. 

“I’ve been … continuously coming back to: Am I doing the absolute best I can? Am I in the role that is best? That’s what led me to become an Independent, and then those same considerations have gone into this decision now to join the Liberals,” she said. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2026.