The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced three senior appointments.

Barry Snow is the new executive director of the Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) in the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, effective February 26. "The mandate of the IBP is to assist our province�s businesses and organizations in developing partnership opportunities with Ireland," said Premier Williams. "Mr. Snow�s extensive background and senior level experience in business attraction and investment prospecting, as well as his knowledge of the economies of our province and Ireland, make him an ideal candidate for this position."

Deborah Paquette has been appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Civil Law) with the Department of Justice, effective February 9. "Ms. Paquette has served in various capacities during her 20 years of public service," added Premier Williams. "The breadth of her experience and commitment are assets that will certainly prove beneficial as she takes on this new opportunity and continues her career with the province."

Premier Williams also confirmed Heather Jacobs as Assistant Deputy Minister (Legal Policy, Courts and Related Services) with the Department of Justice. She had been serving in that position in an acting capacity since June 2006. "Ms. Jacobs� skills and professionalism have been well demonstrated throughout her lengthy tenure with the Department of Justice and will, no doubt, serve her well in this position," said Premier Williams.

The Premier notes that these appointments reflect the calibre of the individuals who make up the public service and who work for the benefit of this province and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

Barry Snow most recently served as Principal Investment Advisor with the Department of Business. From 2000 to 2006, he was a Trade and Investment Consultant with the New England Trade and Investment Initiative of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. Prior to this position, he served as Investment Attraction Consultant with the department, pursuing international business investment for the province. Mr. Snow also has significant senior management and leadership experience in the private sector.

Deborah Paquette, QC, most recently served as Director of Civil Law with the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. Prior to this role, she managed the Central Agencies and Justice Policy Unit from 2002 to 2006, practicing primarily in the areas of administrative, constitutional and intergovernmental law. During the period of February to April 2006 she served as Acting Deputy Minister of Justice and Acting Deputy Attorney General. Ms. Paquette joined the Civil Division in 1987. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University in 1978 and law degree from McGill University in 1981. She has been a practicing member of the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1981 and was appointed Queen�s Counsel in 2004.

Heather M. Jacobs has served as the Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Legal Policy, Courts and Related Services since June 2006. From January 2002 to June 2006, she managed the Government Services Unit within the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. Prior to that, Ms. Jacobs served as a solicitor in the Civil Division from 1988 to 2001. Ms. Jacobs received her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Memorial University in 1984 and her law degree from York University in 1987. She has been a practicing member of the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1988.

2007 02 23                                                  3:00 p.m.