Premier Pat Binns today announced a number of changes to the provincial government's senior management team. Binns noted that the changes were precipitated by the retirement of one individual, the re-assignment of a number of others and the re-organization of the Office of the Attorney General.
Jim Johnston, Deputy Minister of Development and Technology retires from the public service effective July 17th.
Paul Jelley, currently Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, becomes Deputy Minister of Development and Technology.
John MacQuarrie, currently Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, becomes Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
Shauna Sullivan Curley, currently Deputy Minister of Education, assumes additional responsibility as Deputy Attorney General. Patsy MacLean, currently Secretary to the Legislative Review Committee, adds to her duties as Assistant Deputy Attorney General.
Ronald MacMillan, QC, currently Deputy Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Deputy Attorney General, will narrow his focus as the full-time Deputy Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Leonard Cusack, presently Secretary to the Strategic Planning Committees, has been re-assigned to manage the implementation of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Jeanette MacAulay, Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, assumes responsibility as Secretary to the Strategic Planning Committees.
The Premier also conveyed that, consistent with the practice in many other Canadian jurisdictions, responsibility for Acadian and Francophone Affairs has been transferred to the Executive Council Office from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Hon. Mitch Murphy remains as Minister responsible.
Premier Binns stated, "I want to express sincere thanks to Jim Johnston for his loyal service on behalf of Islanders, and wish he and his wife Alex well in retirement." He continued, "The re-organization of the Office of the Attorney General is intended to streamline departmental management. Two Deputies reporting to one Minister was increasingly a challenging arrangement, and we think that this new structure reflects a better approach."