Member Appointed to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of Ed Drover as a part-time provincial member of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB).

"I am very pleased that Mr. Drover has accepted this important position," said Premier Williams. "Mr. Drover brings a wealth of experience to the board, and I am confident that the province will be well served by his contributions."

Mr. Drover�s appointment is for a six-year term, effective January 2, 2009. He replaces outgoing board member Mary J. Whalen whose term expired on October 10, 2008. The Premier thanked Ms. Whalen for her service as a member of the board.

�Since her appointment in 2002, Ms. Whalen has done an admirable job in representing the province on the C-NLOPB,� said Premier Williams. �I thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.�

The C-NLOPB was established in 1986 through the Atlantic Accord for the purpose of regulating the oil and gas industry offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. The seven-member board comprises three members appointed by the Federal Government, three appointed by the Provincial Government, and a Chair and CEO who is appointed jointly by the two governments.

Information about the C-NLOPB is available at www.cnlopb.nl.ca

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Biographical Information

Ed Drover
Ed Drover is a former school teacher and principal and held Branch and Regional Management positions with life insurance companies. He is the former Regional Director for London Life Insurance Company, and has previous trustee experience, including the Health Care Foundation of St. John�s, Waterford Hospital Foundation, St. Clare�s Mercy Hospital Foundation, Director with CNIB, and Director for Community Services Council. He is a past commissioner with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa and a former member of the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Statistics Canada. He currently serves as Chair of the finance committee on the Board of Trustees for Eastern Health, as a member of the Board of Directors of Newfoundland Power, as Chairman of St. John�s Rotary Community Housing Inc. and as Commander with The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lezarus Of Jerusalem.

2009 01 05                         4:20 p.m.