Suzanne Lohnes-Croft

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft
Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly
for Lunenburg
In office
October 8, 2013 – July 17, 2021
Preceded byPam Birdsall
Succeeded bySusan Corkum-Greek
Personal details
Political partyLiberal
OccupationEarly childhood educator

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2013 provincial election and was re-elected in 2017.[1] A member of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, she represented the electoral district of Lunenburg until her defeat in the 2021 Nova Scotia general election.[2]

Early life and education

Lohnes-Croft attended the Mahone Bay Consolidated school graduating in 1977. She continued her education at the Mount Saint Vincent University studying Early Childhood education and child development.[3] Before being elected, Lohnes-Croft worked at a daycare as an early childhood educator.[4]

Charity work

In 2010 she received a provincial volunteer award recognizing her years of service to the community and beyond. In 2010 she also received the Representative Volunteer award for the Town of Mahone Bay/Province of Nova Scotia.

Political career

In the 2013 election, Lohnes-Croft captured nearly 37 percent of the vote in the riding of Lunenburg.[5][circular reference] In the 2017 election, Lohnes-Croft captured nearly 40 percent of the vote in the riding of Lunenburg.[4] From 2013 to 2020, Lohnes-Croft served as Deputy Speaker, before becoming Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage and Gaelic Affairs. Responsible for the Heritage Property Act and the Voluntary Sector.[6] Lohnes-Croft also is a member of the Standing Committee on Assembly Matters examines the rules, procedures, practices, organization and facilities of the House of Assembly.[7]

As Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Lohnes-Croft supported funding for water-related infrastructure projects, through the provincial capital assistance program. Which included the pre-design work for the Salt Marsh project, waterline removal and cleanup of Lepper Brook in Colchester. A study to recommend climate change adaptation measures in Wolfville. A study option to protect Lunenberg's Petite Riviere Watershed from flooding. To assess the condition of a dam on Rory's Brook in Inverness install tide and weather gauges in Bear River, Weymouth, East Ferry, Freeport and Digby. To reconstruct a dangerous area of shoreline on South Street in Lockport.[8][9]

As Minister Lohnes-Croft supported funding a scholarship honouring internationally acclaimed singer Portia White, honouring her important legacy celebrating her artistry and for ground-breaking achievements in Nova Scotian as a classical singer.[10]

As Minister Lohnes-Croft, provided funds through the province's Emergency Support Program for Arts and Culture. which will help the art community stay afloat while Nova Scotians deal with Convid-19 restrictions. The one-time grant totalling $2.1-million will help make the recovery easier in the future.[11][12]

Bill introduced of Royal Assent

  • Presbyterian Church Legislation, An Act Respecting the Repeal of - Bill 137[13]
  • Lunenburg Common Lands (2017) Act - Bill 36[14]

Electoral record

2017 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Suzanne Lohnes-Croft 3,110
  Progressive Conservative Brian Pickings[15] 2,425
  New Democratic Party Marc Breaugh[16] 2,348
2013 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Suzanne Lohnes-Croft 3,182 37.81
  New Democratic Party Pam Birdsall 2,768 32.89
  Progressive Conservative Brian Pickings 2,465 29.29

References