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Executive Council January 2, 2007 Premier Announces Deputy Minister Appointments The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointments of Sean Dutton as Deputy Minister of the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat, effective today (Tuesday, January 2); and Robert Coombs as the new Deputy Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, effective February 1, 2007. "Mr. Dutton has made significant contributions to the government and people of the province during his extensive tenure with the public service, and I wish him well in his new role and look forward to his continued contribution," said Premier Williams. Mr. Dutton, who served most recently as the Deputy Minister (Acting) of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, will be replacing Barbara Knight who is retiring after 31 years in the Newfoundland and Labrador public service. "I have worked closely with Barbara Knight over the past three years, and I can attest to her professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to public service," added the Premier. "I have been so impressed with her over the years, and I wish to sincerely thank Barbara for her many years of expert and dedicated service. On behalf of the government and people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I wish her success and happiness as she enters this new phase of her life." The Premier says he is especially delighted that the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs will be stationed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. "Mr. Coombs brings a wealth of public and private sector experience that will serve him well in his new position," said Premier Williams. "Being from Labrador and having worked there previously, he brings first-hand knowledge of and appreciation for Labrador�s opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to working with him." - 30 - Media contact:
BIOGRAHPICAL INFORMATION Sean Dutton Sean Dutton has served as Deputy Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs in an acting capacity for the past two years and a half. From 2001 to 2004 he was assistant deputy minister in that department, with responsibility for aboriginal affairs. With his appointment as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat, he returns to the place where he started his career with government in 1994 as an analyst. He also served as Assistant Deputy Minister (acting) with the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat and completed an assignment with the Cabinet Secretariat of Executive Council in 2000-01. He has also served with the Secretariat as Director of Resource and Economic Policy, and senior analyst. Mr. Dutton is a graduate of Acadia University, holding a bachelor of arts (honours) and a master of arts, both in political science. Robert Coombs Currently with Ocean Choice International Inc. as Director, Resource Planning, Robert Coombs is returning to the provincial public service after an absence of eight years, during which time he also worked as staff officer � shellfish, with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Newfoundland Region. During his previous time with the provincial public service, he served in various capacities with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, including Director of Resource Policy, Fisheries Resource Planning Supervisor. He was also co-ordinator for the fisheries component of the Comprehensive Labrador Co-operation Agreement, and Environmental Specialist, Labrador. He has a masters degree, master of maritime studies, and bachelor of science from Memorial University. In 2000 he received the Deputy Minister�s Prix d�Excellence and Assistant Deputy Minister�s commendation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2007 01 02
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