The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced John Ottenheimer has been appointed chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Board of Directors. Mr. Ottenheimer�s appointment is effective immediately following the resignation of Dean MacDonald.

"Mr. Ottenheimer brings a broad range of experience to his new role as Hydro chairman that will be beneficial to the corporation. In addition to having served as the Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Ottenheimer has also served as the acting Minister of Natural Resources and as energy critic for the Official Opposition," said Premier Williams. "Those experiences have allowed Mr. Ottenheimer to gain an in-depth knowledge of the energy sector. Our government looks forward to working with Mr. Ottenheimer, along with Hydro�s other board members and employees, as we move forward with implementing the mandate of both Hydro and the province�s new energy corporation."

Premier Williams also took the opportunity to thank Mr. MacDonald for the leadership he demonstrated during his service to Hydro and the province.

"Dating from the time of his first appointment to the board in 1999, Mr. MacDonald has provided sound leadership and advice during his time at Hydro and on behalf of Hydro�s shareholders, the people of this province, I wish him well in his future endeavours," added Premier Williams.

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