Acting Citizens� Representative appointed

Government House Leader Ed Byrne and Speaker of the House of Assembly Harvey Hodder today announced the appointment of an acting Citizens� Representative, in accordance with the Citizens� Representative Act. Robert J. Jenkins has been appointed to conduct the ongoing business of the Office of the Citizen�s Representative (OCR), effective October 25.

On August 30, on the recommendation of the Internal Economy Commission (IEC), Citizens� Representative Fraser March was suspended from duty, pending a decision by the House of Assembly in the upcoming fall sitting. Mr. Jenkins will serve as acting Citizens� Representative until that decision is taken.

Mr. Byrne said, �This appointment was made on the recommendation of the IEC, to ensure that the Office of the Citizens� Representative continues to address public concerns regarding the administration of government programs and services.�

Speaker Hodder stated that, �Under the provisions of the Citizens� Representative Act, the acting Citizens� Representative has all the powers and responsibilities of a permanent Citizens� Representative, including the authority to investigate complaints.�

Mr. Jenkins is a graduate of Memorial University with a long and diverse career in the public service. From 1965 to 2001, Mr. Jenkins served in a variety of provincial government departments and agencies, and held executive positions in several departments, including: Consumer Affairs and Communications; Culture, Recreation and Youth; and Education and Training. He served as Assistant Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Clerk of the Executive Council from 1972 to 1985 and Clerk of the Executive Council from 1994 to 1996. His most recent public service was as Chief Electoral Officer and Conflict of Interest Commissioner for Members of the House of Assembly, from 1997 to 2001.

Media contact: Roger Scaplen, House of Assembly, (709) 729-1679

2005 10 25                        1:40 p.m.