UPDATE: Liberals sworn in to Nova Scotia legislature

HALIFAX – The two newest members of Nova Scotia’s Liberal government were officially sworn in Wednesday as members of the provincial legislature.

Derek Mombourquette and David Wilton won their seats in byelections held July 14.

Mombourquette represents the riding of Sydney-Whitney Pier, while Wilton is the member for Cape Breton Centre.

The Cape Breton ridings were previously held by NDP members Frank Corbett and Gordie Gosse, who resigned their seats earlier this year.

“It feels great,” Mombourquette said after the ceremony.

Mombourquette said the biggest issues in his riding include the economy, a port development in Sydney and mining.

“I’m ready to work for my riding and get some work done,” Wilton said.

He said that a doctor shortage and other healthcare issues rank high on his list of issues to tackle.

“I feel fantastic,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “To see their hard work pay off and see them arrive here, where both of them wanted to be, is just extremely gratifying.”

McNeil also took a moment to remember Allan Rowe, who passed away in March and had previously held the seat in Dartmouth South.

“He was a genuine, sincere and honest gentleman who conducted himself that way in every aspect of what he did in this House of Assembly. Today it certainly stands out,” he said.

The NDP’s Marian Mancini, who captured Dartmouth South, will be sworn in Thursday.

The Liberals hold 34 of the legislature’s 51 seats, the Progressive Conservatives have 10 seats, the NDP hold six, and the remaining seat belongs to an independent member.

-with files from Julia Wong