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Meet Iain

Iain Rankin was first elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature for Timberlea–Prospect in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, 2021, and 2024. He has proudly served as an MLA, cabinet minister, and as Nova Scotia’s 29th Premier. He currently serves as Interim Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.

Born in Cape Breton and raised in Timberlea–Prospect, Iain holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of International Politics. His professional experience includes working as a senior operations manager, a project manager and a small business owner.

Iain was appointed to cabinet in 2017 as Minister of Environment where he led Nova Scotia’s response to the national Pan-Canadian framework on clean growth and climate change. He was later appointed Minister of Lands and Forestry to lead the transition to ecological forestry.

Following a successful leadership race, he became Premier in 2021. As Premier, Iain focused on modernizing Nova Scotia’s economy by leveraging the energy transition as a competitive advantage. His leadership expanded wind and solar development, wood-heating for public buildings, efficiency programs, and strengthened training capacity for both traditional and emerging sectors of the economy.

Key accomplishments include:

  • Securing $605 million from the federal government, to deliver $10-a-day child care by 2026
  • Launching the largest renewable energy tender in Nova Scotia’s history (350 MW)
  • Creating the Office of Mental Health and Addictions and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives
  • Delivering a nation-leading, equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout
  • Protecting more than 100 natural areas across the province, including Cape Split Provincial Park, Cape Mabou Wilderness Area, St. Mary’s River Provincial Park, and Wentworth Valley Wilderness Area.

As MLA for Timberlea–Prospect, Iain has brought major local projects to the area, including the Bayers Lake Outpatient Centre, the BLT Community Centre, the Bay View High Skilled Trades Centre, a new Primary–Grade 9 school and child care centre in Timberlea, the Adsum House housing development in Lakeside, and multiple safety upgrades along the Prospect Road corridor.