"I am pleased that Mr. Simms has accepted this re-appointment and I look forward to his continued strong contribution," Premier Williams said.

The appointment is effective immediately.

Mr. Simms, a native of Howley on the province�s West Coast, was raised in Corner Brook and was a long-time resident of Grand Falls-Windsor. Mr. Simms has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was the MHA for Grand Falls for 16 years and served as provincial cabinet minister in the portfolios of Culture, Recreation and Youth, Forest Resources and Lands, President of Treasury Board and President of Executive Council. He was appointed Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation in February, 2005. In accordance with Provincial Government policy, he resigned from that position on September 10 to participate in the recent provincial election campaign. He has also served as president of Future First Inc. and Len Simms and Associates Inc., as well as CEO of Keyin College Central. Mr. Simms has an extensive background in serving with community groups, as a past national president of Kinsmen Clubs of Canada, and is currently a member of the provincial board of directors of the Children�s Wish Foundation, and is an advisor to the board of directors of the Lion Max Simms Camp for the Handicapped.

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