The following statement was issued today by Ed Byrne, Government House Leader. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

As Honourable Members are aware, a recruitment process in underway to fill the position of Child and Youth Advocate. That process began when the former advocate submitted his resignation.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly recently informed government that the appointment of an interim advocate was necessary to carry out functions under the Child and Youth Advocate Act that could not wait for the recruitment process to be completed.

I am pleased to inform members that, acting under authority of Subsection 4(3) of the act, the government has appointed Mr. James Igloliorte as interim Child and Youth Advocate.

Mr. Igloliorte�s appointment is effective immediately and will continue while the recruitment process for a new advocate is being completed.

Mr. Igloliorte is a strong choice for this appointment. He has had a distinguished career as a judge, and has been a strong, dedicated contributor to the legal and social fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank him sincerely for accepting this assignment.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to advise that since recruitment for the position of advocate began, we have received strong interest from a number of highly qualified candidates, and we are moving as expeditiously as possible to fill the position.

2005 05 17                           1:40 p.m.