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Premier Tobin Shuffles Cabinet

Premier Brian Tobin today announced changes in three Cabinet portfolios. Lloyd Matthews has been appointed Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, replacing Julie Bettney, who has been appointed Minister of Human Resources and Employment. Ms. Bettney has moved to the position vacated by Joan Marie Aylward, who has been appointed Minister of Health. All appointments became effective today following a swearing-in ceremony at Government House, presided over by His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor, Dr. Max House.

Premier Tobin said: "The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have expressed their concern for the integrity of our health care, social services and public infrastructure systems in the province. It is in recognition of these concerns that I have decided to make some realignment of responsibilities in the Cabinet."

Premier Tobin commended Mr. Matthews for his efforts as Minister of Health during a period of change in the health care system. "Mr. Matthews has worked very hard in a challenging portfolio. However, he has considerable experience in private business, and I now want to draw on him to guide the Department of Works, Services and Transportation."

The premier added that Joan Marie Aylward's experience as a nurse and nursing teacher will be very valuable in her assignment as Minister of Health. "I am now asking her to apply her practical experience on the front lines in health care, to the task of guiding the system through the next stage of its transition."

In announcing Julie Bettney's appointment as Minister of Human Resources and Employment, the premier pointed to her experience in the human resources field. "In her career at the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Commission, Ms. Bettney was a senior manager responsible for a variety of human resources disciplines. She has the right experience to prepare her for the challenging job of recasting some of our most fundamental social programs."

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3564.