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In the last six months, the government of Nova Scotia has scooped five former journalists into its top levels. Four hail straight from the newsroom and the fifth worked as a journalist in the ’80s and ’90s.

Premier Stephen McNeil wasn’t involved in hiring two of the journalists who work in the Executive Council Office, which he is the president of, however, he did hire the other three former reporters.

Asked Thursday what Nova Scotians should make of the spate of hirings McNeil said “they’ll recognize that the premier recognizes the great talent that’s in the press corp.”

Marilla Stephenson

Title: Managing director of corporate and external relations, Executive Council Office

Left The Chronicle Herald in October 2014 for a contract with the oneNS commission, started with the executive council on June 1, 2016

Laurie Graham

Title: Principal secretary to the premier, Office of Premier Stephen McNeil

Left CTV in February, hired by McNeil in March

David Jackson

Title: Senior advisor media relations, Office of Premier Stephen McNeil

Was on strike with The Chronicle Herald, hired by McNeil in February

Jackie Foster

Title: Policy and outreach advisor, Executive Council Office

Left CTV in February to join government

Laura Lee Langley

Title: deputy minister of the Office of the Premier, deputy minister of Treasury and Policy Board, clerk of the Executive Council and head of the Public Service

Langley has held senior positions in government since 2004 when she was appointed the first assistant deputy minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

Langley was a journalist with MITV — now Global News — in the ’80s and ’90s.

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