Province announces appointment of new consumer advocate

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom Marshall today announced the appointment of Thomas J. Johnson to the position of consumer advocate. Mr. Johnson will represent the province in the remaining issues arising from the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro General Rate Application. This appointment is effective immediately.

Tom Johnson, a partner with O�Dea Earle Law Offices, is a distinguished member of the legal community. His legal experience and expertise includes civil litigation, labour and employment, real estate, family law and personal injury.

"We are pleased that he has accepted this position which plays a vital role in ensuring that consumers interests are protected. I am confident that Mr. Johnson will be a strong and effective advocate for the people in the province," said Minister Marshall. "Mr. Johnson has demonstrated throughout his career, a commitment to representing the best interests of the people of this province, and his experience and knowledge will undoubtedly be a great asset in his role as consumer advocate. We look forward to Mr. Johnson completing the work on the hydro file and working on future cases as they arise."

Mr. Johnson replaces Dennis Browne Q.C., who has acted as consumer advocate on a number of matters since 1996, and was appointed in 2003 to represent government on the Hydro application. "We would like to acknowledge Mr. Browne for his hard work and commitment in ensuring that interests of consumers and government have been well represented."

Media contact: Heather Donovan, Justice (709)729-6985 or (709) 690-2498

BACKGROUNDER

Mr. Johnson was admitted to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1995, and is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland, and Canadian Bar Association. He is a partner with O�Dea Earle Law Offices. Mr. Johnson has been recognized with numerous distinctions including the Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal UNB Faculty of Law 1994, Carswell Award 1992, 1994, Law Foundation of New Brunswick Scholarship and UNB Faculty of Law Dean's List 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94. Mr. Johnson is an active volunteer with community organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Y- Enterprise Centre Advisory Board Program.

2004 07 15                                      12:45 p.m.