Minister Jill Balser became the first female MLA for Digby-Annapolis, after winning the riding during the 41st Provincial General Election in 2021. She is proud to serve Nova Scotia as the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration; Minister responsible for the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Compensation Act (except Part II); Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act and currently sits on the Treasury and Policy Board. 

Her commitment and contribution to community development includes previously being the Project Lead for the Inspiring Communities initiative for Turning the Tide in Digby (Weskewinaq), Nova Scotia.

Minister Balser also worked as the YREACH Immigrant Settlement Staff Member at the Fundy YMCA in Cornwallis (Apji’jkmujue’katik), Nova Scotia. Here, she assisted newcomers in settling into their new communities and schools, by giving them direct access to the necessary tools and requirements they need to thrive. 

In recent years, Minister Balser has devoted much of her time giving back to the people around her, participating on boards, volunteering at events, and welcoming newcomers, including being the Co-Chair of the successful Refugee Sponsorship Group ‘Team Rima’ in Digby (Weskewinaq), Nova Scotia. 

Minister Balser is proud to be a part of the vastly changing population of Nova Scotia. Recently the province surpassed the one million population milestone and is now on its way to making its goal to grow that number to two million by 2060. 

Minister Balser was born and raised in Digby (Weskewinaq), Nova Scotia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and a certificate in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. Afterwards, she received her postgraduate diploma in Sport and Event Marketing from George Brown College and is currently working on completing a Master’s Degree in Community Development through the University of Victoria.