Province recruiting for key public service executive positions

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recruiting for two new executive positions that will assist in advancing their economic growth and job creation agenda, as outlined in the Blueprint policy document, Budget 2004 and the Throne Speech.

Premier Danny Williams announced government is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Minister and Chief Information Officer for the new Department of Business.

"These positions are key to advancing our economic growth agenda which will enable us to put this province on the path to self-reliance and prosperity," said Premier Williams. "We committed to a two-pronged approach, first to get control of our fiscal situation and second to see our economy grow to facilitate the creation of meaningful employment in the province. Budget 2004 started us on the road to fiscal health and now we are focusing on growing our economy. The new Department of Business will be critical to implementing our agenda for business growth and investment throughout the province. As Minister for Business, I look forward to assembling a dynamic team of public employees to capitalize on what we have and further develop the tremendous potential of our province."

Responsibilities for the first deputy minister, Department of Business, will include business and investment attraction; brand management related to trade, investment and business development; advising on strategic business opportunities; advising on the application of new technologies to the business of government; and coordinating and fostering government relations with business industry stakeholders.

Reporting to the Premier, the deputy minister will have an extraordinary opportunity to provide executive leadership and advice regarding government�s agenda and the policies and programs that will foster business success in the province.

The Chief Information Officer, reporting to the Deputy Minister of Business and supporting all departments, will have responsibilities for: building and maintaining an information strategy for government; ensuring that IT development projects enable that strategy; and optimizing external business opportunities that arise from internal IT development projects.

Recruitment for the new positions is being co-ordinated by the Public Service Commission. It will begin with advertising on Saturday, along with advertising for the existing positions of Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Communications). Applications are invited from individuals both external to and from within the public service.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or 690-5500

2004 05 07                                         1:35 p.m.