The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of Don Keats as Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Community Services.

"Mr. Keats� professional background and extensive experience in the health sector make him a strong addition to our team of dedicated public service employees," Premier Williams said. "We welcome him back to the provincial public service and look forward to his contributions."

Mr. Keats� appointment became effective November 5. He will serve in the position on an interim basis until a permanent appointment is made. He succeeds Robert Thompson, who had been serving as Deputy Minister on an acting basis since May 30, in addition to his duties as Secretary to Cabinet for Health Issues.

"With this appointment, the Department of Health and Community Services has a Deputy Minister full-time and Mr. Thompson can be devoted full-time to his position as Secretary to Cabinet for the important health issues management file," Premier Williams said.

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

Mr. Keats has an extensive background in senior executive leadership in health care and the public sector. His career has included roles as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of three former provincial health corporations: Central West, General Hospital, and Grand Falls and District. Mr. Keats has also served as CEO of Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ontario, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Community Services, and Assistant Deputy Minister with the Nova Scotia Department of Health. He holds the degrees of Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta and Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University. Mr. Keats� background includes service on the boards of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hospital and Nursing Home Association, the Canadian Health Care Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. His past accomplishments include recognition as one of the top health care executives in North America.