Premier Announces Changes to Senior Management

Premier's Office
Premier Pat Binns today announced a number of changes to the Province’s senior management team. The Premier noted the changes were precipitated by the retirement of one deputy minister, the re-assignment of others and the re-organization of two departments. The changes become effective October 12, 2004.

Premier Binns welcomes four new faces to senior management:

- Kent Scales, currently CEO of PEI Business Development Inc., becomes Deputy Minister of Tourism;

- Wayne Hooper, currently CEO of Atlantic Veterinary College Inc., becomes Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture;

- Jim Ferguson, currently Operations Manager for Island Radio Ltd and Regional Programmer for Maritime Broadcasting System becomes CEO of the Public Service Commission;

- Sandy Stewart, who has been acting Clerk of the Executive Council since the retirement of Lynn Ellsworth in May will become the Clerk of Executive Council.

“These four individuals have extensive experience in the private and public sector which will be a valuable asset to government,” said Premier Binns. “I look forward to their positive contribution as part of the provincial government’s senior management team.”

The Premier also announced the re-assignment of a number of members of senior management.

- Paul Jelley, currently Deputy Minister of Development and Technology, becomes Deputy Provincial Treasurer.

- Mike O’Brien, currently Deputy Provincial Treasurer, becomes Deputy Minister of Development and Technology.

- John MacQuarrie, currently Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, becomes Deputy Minister of Energy, Environment and Forestry.

- Frank Butler, currently Deputy Minister of Tourism, will be seconded to the Council of Maritime Premiers.

- Elaine Noonan, currently CEO of the Public Service Commission, has been assigned to manage the PEI Population Strategy through the Department of Development and Technology.

Premier Binns announced the re-organization of two government departments.

The Forestry portfolio will become part of the new Department of Energy, Environment and Forestry. This change will streamline departmental management for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture. Changes have also resulted in the duties of Ministry of Attorney General to become the responsibility of Hon. Mildred Dover. The affected Ministers will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at 11:45 a.m. at the Lieutenant Governor’s residence.

“We believe these changes reflect a stronger approach in meeting the challenges of governing,” said the Premier.

NEW SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 12, 2004

Peter McQuaid, Deputy Minister and Chief of Staff to the Premier

Paul Jelley, Deputy Provincial Treasurer

Dave Riley, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services

Shauna Sullivan Curley, Deputy Minister of Education

Wayne Hooper, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Ron MacMillan, QC, Deputy Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs

Leo Walsh, Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Kent Scales, Deputy Minister of Tourism

Steve MacLean, Deputy Minister of Transportation and Public Works

Patsy MacLean, Deputy Attorney General

Mike O’Brien, Deputy Minister of Development and Technology

John MacQuarrie, Deputy Minister of Energy, Environment and Forestry

Jim Ferguson, CEO of Public Service Commission

Patrick Dorsey, Senior Policy Advisor

Sandy Stewart, Clerk of the Executive Council

Media Contact: Peter McQuaid