Premier Pat Binns today announced the appointment of Mike O'Brien, managing partner of the Charlottetown CA firm Coopers and Lybrand as Deputy Provincial Treasurer.
Premier Binns says "Mike brings outstanding professional qualifications to the position and we are pleased to be able to attract such a strong candidate from the private sector to this key position in government. His extensive community background and involvement will support a strong community focus in government and his skills and talent will be a benefit to all Islanders."
Mr. O'Brien received his CA training in Montreal. He returned to the Island in 1970 and in 1974 became a partner in the firm of R.D. Manning and Company which merged with Coopers and Lybrand in 1980. In 1994 he received his Fellowship from the P.E.I. Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Mr. O'Brien has been involved in a variety of public and private sector initiatives in the province. He has provided management and financial advice to firms in the retail trade, construction industry, service sector, and has been involved in policy and financial matters relating to provincial Government Departments and Crown Corporations.
At the community level he served as President of the United Way of P.E.I., Secretary Treasurer of Sport P.E.I., Board of Management of the 1991 Winter Games, Advisory Committee to the Salvation Army, and the University of Prince Edward Island Foundation.
Mr. O'Brien will begin his work with the department of Provincial Treasury in early August.
Premier Binns says the appointment is another step in strengthening the senior management team of government to ensure the Island is well positioned for continued growth and development.