Executive Council
April 9, 2009

In keeping with the Throne Speech commitment for the creation of a new government department dedicated to children, youth and families, the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of a new Cabinet minister to lead that department. A new Minister of Education was also announced as the Provincial Government continues with a strong emphasis on education. The new Cabinet ministers were sworn in today at a ceremony at Government House in St. John�s.

Appointed to Cabinet were:

"I am pleased to announce changes to our Cabinet that will see a new emphasis in the area of child and family services, and a continued focus on a strong education agenda," said Premier Williams. "I want to thank Minister Burke for her incredible commitment to the area of education, and the outstanding initiatives she has championed over the past several years. Among others, her strong voice on student aid has directly resulted in our province having the best student aid package in the country. Minister Burke has a wealth of experience in child and youth services which ideally positions her to head up the creation of this important new department. I know that children, youth and families across the province will benefit from her outstanding leadership.

"I also welcome Minister King to his new role," added Premier Williams. "Dr. King is an experienced and eminently qualified educator and brings extensive credentials to his new role. I look forward to his contributions around the Cabinet table. It is always valuable to have new perspectives, and I wish both individuals all the best in their news positions."

Premier Williams also announced the following appointment:

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education � Derrick Dalley

"I welcome Mr. Dalley to this new role and wish him every success as he takes on the associated opportunities and challenges," said Premier Williams.

All appointments are effective immediately. See attached backgrounder for additional details.

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Honourable Joan Burke � Member for St. George's - Stephenville East
Joan (Shea) Burke was born and raised in Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador. Settling with her family in Stephenville, she was first elected to the House of Assembly in the District of St. George's - Stephenville East in October 2003.

Ms. Burke�s first cabinet appointment was as Minister of Human Resources and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women in November 2003. In February 2004, her responsibilities expanded to include the newly formed Labour Relations Agency, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission. At that time she was also named lead Minister for Immigration in the Province. On November 8, 2005, Ms. Burke was appointed Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Ms. Burke was re-elected to represent the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East on October 9, 2007. On October 30, 2007 Ms. Burke was again appointed as Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

In May 2008 Ms. Burke was named Government House Leader, the first time a woman has been appointed to this position in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Burke�s work in government is greatly supported by her prior educational and professional experience. In 1987 she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University and obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 1990. Prior to entering public life she worked as a parole officer with the Correctional Services of Canada and served on the executive of the Union of Solicitor General Employees and as a shop steward for Local 90098. Ms. Burke has also spent many years volunteering for a variety of community events and initiatives.

Darin King was born in Grand Bank and raised in the community of Fortune, on the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Diploma in School Resources Services from Memorial University; a Master of Education Degree from Saint Mary's University, Halifax; and a Ph.D (Business) from Northcentral University, Arizona.

Dr. King has an extensive background in community service and rural development. He has served on the Burin Peninsula Learning Center Board, Grand Bank Summer Festival and Winter Carnival Committees, Fortune Bay-North Shore Tourism Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association, Chairperson of the Grand Bank Recreation Commission, and Chairperson of the Grand Bank Development Corporation.

Prior to his election, Dr. King was the CEO/Director of Education for the Eastern School District with responsibility for 127 schools and approximately 46,000 students, and served on the administrative team which guided the district through the provincial restructuring of school districts in 2004. Through his career in education, Dr. King served as a classroom teacher; school administrator; and school district administrator, including senior positions with responsibility for human resources as well as educational programs. He has taught graduate studies with Memorial University, and served as a supervisor of doctoral students.

Dr. King was elected as a Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Grand Bank on October 9, 2007, and was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education on October 30, 2007. He has also served on the House of Assembly Social Services Budget Estimates Committee, and on December 9, 2008 was appointed to the Public Accounts Committee.

Dr. King and his wife, Colleen, reside in Conception Bay South with their two children, Mitchell and Kate.

Derrick Dalley was born in Twillingate, Notre Dame Bay. He spent his early childhood in Springdale and later returned to Twillingate where he completed high school at J.M.Olds Collegiate. He graduated from Memorial University in 1987 with Bachelor Degrees in Arts and Education which included a political science major. In 1992, he completed a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling at the University of New Brunswick.

Mr. Dalley started his career as a social worker in Twillingate. After a year he moved to Education and became the guidance Counsellor in Baie Verte. For seven years Derrick continued in his role as guidance counselor for several schools on the Baie Verte Peninsula before moving to Twillingate in 1995. He continued his career in education in various capacities, including principal of Inter Island Academy of New World Island and guidance counsellor and principal of J. M. Olds Academy of Twillingate.

Mr. Dalley has always been very active in the area of sports, having participated in many sports including hockey and softball. He has spent much of his free time coaching and teaching hockey and working with students who are actively involved in school life.

Mr. Dalley was first elected as a member of the House of Assembly for the District of The Isles of Notre Dame in the election of October 9, 2007. He was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Public Accounts Committee on January 9, 2008.

Derrick lives in Twillingate with his wife Anne Marie and two children Zachary and Samantha.

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