N.S. cabinet minister admits to former drug addiction

Nova Scotia's Minister of Education has admitted to being addicted to drugs 20 years ago.

Jane Purves made the revelation in an interview with a reporter. She says, in a written statement released after the interview, that she was asked questions about her past and decided to answer openly and honestly.

Purves says in the statement she became involved with drugs during her teens and 20s.

She says she sought treatment and has been free of the addiction for more than 20 years. But she says there have been lasting consequences including a criminal record for possession of marijuana.

Purves also lost custody of her son for a number of years and contracted hepatitis-C as a result of drug use.

Purves was first elected to office as member for Halifax Citadel in July 1999. She is a former journalist and editor.