NLIS 4
April 5, 2005
(Executive Council)


Premier announces senior appointment for Labrador

Premier Danny Williams today announced the appointment of Bill Flowers as deputy minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, effective April 25, 2005.

"Mr. Flowers is believed to be the first member of an Aboriginal organization to be appointed as deputy minister in the Newfoundland and Labrador public service," said Premier Williams. "I am delighted that Mr. Flowers has accepted this position and our government looks forward to benefiting from his experience and knowledge. He has demonstrated excellent leadership through his work with Aboriginal groups and governments throughout Atlantic Canada, and we are pleased to welcome him to the department."

The Premier added that Mr. Flowers will play a key role in delivering the province�s agenda for Labrador. "Our strategic social and economic investments, including those announced in Budget 2005 and during our recent visit to Labrador, underscore this government�s commitment to the long-term prosperity of the region," said the Premier.

Premier Williams noted that Mr. Flowers� extensive experience with Aboriginal groups will be a great asset in his new position. "Our government has demonstrated our commitment to improving the health and well being of Aboriginal communities in Labrador, including several positive announcements in Budget 2005, and I am delighted with the wealth of experience Mr. Flowers will bring to this position," he said. "We look forward to building upon important initiatives such as the Northern Strategic Plan, Lower Churchill development, the northern agrifoods strategy and Destination Labrador."

Following through on government�s commitment, Mr. Flowers� position will be located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. "Locating this key position in Labrador is important to successfully fulfilling our agenda for Labrador. Being on the ground will enable Mr. Flowers to more easily interact and consult with the people and stakeholders in the region," added the Premier.

Mr. Flowers fills a position that has been occupied in an acting capacity by Sean Dutton since July 2004.

"I appreciate the work Mr. Dutton has done while acting in this position," said Premier Williams. "Mr. Dutton has contributed immensely to the implementation of our agenda for Labrador and I look forward to his continued contributions, as collectively we work on issues of importance to the region."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca


Biography
Bill Flowers has served since 2001 as manager of treaties, claims and self-government with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, where he has worked with First-Nation and other governments throughout Atlantic Canada on the negotiation of land claims agreements. He has also worked extensively with the federal and provincial governments in economic and community development in Labrador.

Mr. Flowers has also been involved in the field of education as a member of the Labrador School Board for several years. He was the inaugural chair of the Voisey�s Bay Environmental Management Board, established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with the Government of Canada, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation, to ensure continuity of benefits to Labrador Aboriginal groups from the Voisey�s Bay development.

Mr. Flowers holds a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Update - April 13 - Premier comments on deputy minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs position

2005 04 05                      3:35 p.m.


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