Premier Pat Binns today announced several staffing changes to senior administrative staff at a news conference held in Charlottetown. "In June of this year, Caucus and I met for three days in Mill River and at that time we reaffirmed our commitment to the principles and priorities that we outlined to the general public of Prince Edward Island during our election campaign." The changes involve a number of line departments and the formation of several new positions within government. The following changes in senior public service include:
Tom Harland, professional engineer and small business owner, will be leaving private sector to take responsibility as the new Deputy Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
Phil MacDougall, currently Deputy Minister of Transportation and Public Works, will be taking up new duties as the chief executive officer of the Ports Commission announced two weeks ago.
Bill Drost, previously employed as the Facilities Manager at the Centre for Animal and Plant Health and owner/operator of a small consulting firm, assumes responsibility as the new Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Environment.
Dianne Griffin, currently Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Environment, becomes Director of Environmental Resources.
Verna Bruce, currently Clerk of the Executive Council, becomes Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services. Ms. Bruce will be resigning as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Lynn Ellsworth, currently Assistant Clerk of the Executive Council, becomes Clerk of the Executive Council.
Ginger Breedon, currently Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, becomes Vice-Chairman of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission.
Brian Thompson, currently Chief Operating Officer, Development Division, Enterprise PEI, has been appointed to Director of Prospecting for the Island which will be directed through the Premier's Office.
The Premier also named Leonard Cusack, currently with the Western School Board, to head up the newly formed Policy Board Secretariat of Executive Council.
In addition, this government will create a new Information Technology Institute which when established will be directed by Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment.
Peter McQuaid will continue to act as Principal Secretary to the Premier and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Maurice Rodgerson Chief of Staff. Rory Francis, Leo Walsh, Dave Riley, Elaine Noonan and Mike O'Brien will all retain their deputy minister positions.