Executive Council
October 28, 2011

Premier Dunderdale Appoints New Cabinet,
Announces Departmental Restructuring

With a strong mandate from the people of the province, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced her new Cabinet. Ministers were sworn in today at Government House.

“On October 11, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador honoured our team with a resounding vote of confidence and a powerful mandate to lead our province forward. This Cabinet and our entire caucus is energized, ready to work for the people and capable of fulfilling the trust given to us by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said Premier Dunderdale. “We have a strong and experienced team positioned at an exciting time in our province’s history to drive our plan for more jobs, healthier people, stronger partnerships, and resource development that is right for our province. The next four years will be pivotal in our province’s history and my pledge as Premier is that we will work to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to grow and prosper as together we aim to reach the full measure of our magnificent potential.”

The Premier said that all members of the caucus recognize the responsibility and honour of serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We are very mindful of who hired us and why, and we are ready to put our skills, experience and passion to work with sound decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can take full advantage of the opportunities at our doorstep.”

Members appointed to Cabinet today are listed below, by portfolio:

Premier
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale

Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities and for Youth Engagement
The Honourable Joan Burke

Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The Honourable Charlene Johnson

Minister of Education
The Honourable Clyde Jackman

Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, the Multi Materials Stewardship Board and Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading
The Honourable Terry French

Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat, the Public Service Commission and the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation
The Honourable Thomas Marshall, Q.C.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Deputy Government House Leader
The Honourable Darin King

Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, and Francophone Affairs
The Honourable Susan Sullivan

Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, and the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector
The Honourable Nick McGrath

Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, and the Research & Development Corporation
The Honourable Keith Hutchings

Minister of Justice and Attorney General
The Honourable Felix Collins

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services –
Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General
The Honourable Kevin O’Brien

Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency and Government House Leader
The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Q.C.

Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency, Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission
The Honourable Paul Davis

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
The Honourable Derrick Dalley

Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The Honourable Tom Hedderson

Premier Dunderdale also announced the following additional appointments:

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services
Sandy Collins

Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Vaughn Granter

Premier Dunderdale noted today that she has reduced the size of Cabinet from 19 to 16 members, in line with her government’s commitment to efficiency and prudent spending throughout government. This action necessitated some departmental re-alignments.

“It is very important to me that our government operates as efficiently as possible, while providing quality programs and services that meet the needs of the people of our province,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Re-aligning departments and adjusting ministries to ensure they are best positioned to take on the challenges and opportunities before us is very important.”

To focus on supplying highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy, a new Department of Advanced Education and Skills is being established. This department incorporates most of the old Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Advanced Studies component of the Department of Education. The new department will also house the new Workforce Development Secretariat.

To recognize that the work of the Aboriginal Affairs branch is province-wide in scope and is similar in nature to intergovernmental relations, a merged Secretariat has been established for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. To highlight its central coordinating and monitoring role in Labrador, the Labrador Affairs branch will become the Labrador Affairs Office of the Executive Council.

To integrate all business and economic development programs under a single banner, and build on the successes of the two preceding departments, a new Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development is being established. Most of the programs of the old Department of Business will be merged into the new department, along with all the current programs of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. In addition, a new Assistant Deputy Minister of Ocean Technology will be appointed to lead activity related to capitalizing on the province’s incredible strengths and expertise in harsh ocean environments.

To implement a new vision for providing services to citizens and businesses, creating single windows for multiple services, and simplifying how government connects with its clients, the former Department of Government Services is being re-branded as Service Newfoundland and Labrador and the minister is tasked with bringing forth a plan that allows government to achieve its new vision. Given the department’s existing expertise in regulatory processes, the Regulatory Reform unit of the old Department of Business is being moved to Service Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Brand Development Division of the old Department of Business will be moved to the Communications Branch of Executive Council.

• Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale with her Cabinet – October 28, 2011

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Media contacts:

Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 glendapower@gov.nl.ca

Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Biographies

Hon. Kathy Dunderdale, Premier, Member for Virginia Waters

Kathy Dunderdale was sworn in as the 10th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador on December 3, 2010.

Premier Dunderdale grew up in the town of Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador. She attended Memorial University and worked throughout the province in the fields of community development, communications, fisheries and social work.

Premier Dunderdale’s legislative career rests on a solid background in municipal government. She started her public service as town councillor and eventually Deputy Mayor of Burin, leading into a multitude of leadership roles as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities and Director of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities. Premier Dunderdale has also served as President of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Following her election to the House of Assembly as Member for Virginia Waters in 2003, Premier Dunderdale’s first Cabinet appointment was as Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat. In October 2008 she was appointed as Deputy Premier, as well as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Through both her professional and volunteer roles, with a particular focus on women’s issues and sustainable rural development, Premier Dunderdale has exhibited an ongoing commitment to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and its future generations.

Hon. Joan Burke, Member for St. George’s-Stephenville East

Joan Burke was born and raised in Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador. Settling with her husband and daughter 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 was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, April 9, 2009. On January 13, 2011, she was appointed Minister of Education.

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 of Newfoundland and Labrador 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.

On October 11, 2011, Ms. Burke was re-elected as the Member for St. George’s - Stephenville East.

Hon. Charlene Johnson, Member for Trinity-Bay de Verde

Charlene Johnson, the youngest woman ever elected to serve in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, is passionate about sustainable development and the protection of our natural resources. Born in Carbonear and raised in the Conception Bay community of Gull Island, Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Applied Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

During her academic years, Ms. Johnson held work placements not only in Newfoundland and Labrador but also in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia and California; yet she has never been far in spirit from her home province. She strongly believes Newfoundland and Labrador's most valued resource is its people and is determined to help put an end to the exodus of our people and resources through the creation of new, sustainable opportunities.

Ms. Johnson was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources on July 5, 2006.

Re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, Ms. Johnson was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation on October 30. On January 13, 2011, she was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

Ms. Johnson was re-elected as the Member for Trinity - Bay de Verde on October 11, 2011.

Hon. Clyde Jackman, Member for Burin-Placentia West

Clyde Jackman was born in Grole, Hermitage Bay, and is the eldest of 10 children. His family resettled to Marystown in 1968. For the past 25 years, Mr. Jackman has resided in Baine Harbour where he and his wife raised their five children. He completed his high school years at Pearce Regional High School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Education from Memorial University. In 1993, he received a Masters of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mr. Jackman has worked in education for 27 years. His first two years of teaching took him to Cartwright, Labrador. He then returned to the Burin Peninsula and worked as a teaching principal at St. Matthew's Elementary, Boat Harbour West, and as principal at Jacques Fontaine All-Grade School, Jacques Fontaine.

Mr. Jackman has served as a volunteer at both the local and provincial levels. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the T. J. Macdonald Youth Group Home and, for 21 years, he worked as a volunteer firefighter. He has held several positions within his local church community and, for a period of time, he and his family provided foster care support. Mr. Jackman is an avid outdoors person. He particularly enjoys kayaking and canoeing. He has fished alongside trawlermen and inshore fishermen and he has a deep interest in the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. He was sworn in as the Member for Burin - Placentia West on November 12, 2003. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Education in June 2005. He was sworn in as Minister of Environment and Conservation on March 14, 2006.

Mr. Jackman was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, and on October 30 he was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

On October 31, 2008, Mr. Jackman was appointed Acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. On November 27, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Clyde Jackman was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

Hon. Terry French, Member for Conception Bay South

Terry French was elected to represent the people of Conception Bay South District in a by-election on Tuesday, November 12, 2002. Two days later he took the Oath of Allegiance as MHA, and on the same day took his seat in the House of Assembly for the first time.

In 2003, Mr. French was named the Opposition critic for Government Services and Lands as well as Parliamentary Assistant to the Leader.

On October 21, 2003, he was re-elected Member for Conception Bay South. Mr. French was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier in November 2003 and confirmed in this role in the departmental restructuring of February 20, 2004. On April 6, 2005 he was appointed Caucus Whip. Mr. French was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment on January 19, 2007.

Mr. French was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, and on October 30, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services. He was re-elected once again on October 11, 2011.

Mr. French was sworn in as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on November 27, 2009.

Before being elected to the House of Assembly, Mr. French from 1997 to 2002, served as Executive Assistant to the Member of Parliament for St. John's East. His political experience began early. He became President of the PC Youth wing of the local PC Association in the early eighties. He served on the Provincial Executive of the PC Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and was Campaign Chairman of two successful PC campaigns in the district during the 1996 and 1999 general elections. He has served as a member of the Provincial PC Election Readiness Committee. He was heavily involved in the 2001 and 2002 provincial PC by-election wins on the Northern Peninsula and in Bonavista North.

Mr. French graduated Queen Elizabeth High School in Foxtrap in 1984 and subsequently attended Memorial University until joining his father in a family business in 1986.

He has had strong involvement in the community, particularly community sports:

* Member of the Board of Governors of the Conception Bay South Sports Hall of Fame;
* Volunteer in the Summer Games in Conception Bay South;
* Conception Bay South Minor Softball Coach;
* Member of the Conception Bay South Softball Umpire Association;
* Level 4 Umpire working at the National Softball Tournament.

He resides in Conception Bay South with his wife, two children, and his mother.

Hon. Tom Marshall, Member for Humber East

Tom Marshall is the son of the late Sylvia Marshall and Jack Marshall, former Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Humber - St. George’s - St. Barbe. He grew up in Corner Brook before attending Memorial University, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1969, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1972. After graduation, he returned to Corner Brook and joined the law firm of Barry, Wells and Monaghan as an associate lawyer, articling with Kevin Barry, Q.C., and became a partner in the firm of Barry, Wells, Monaghan, Seaborn and Marshall in 1975. He remained senior partner with the firm of Monaghan, Marshall, Murphy and Watton until his election and subsequent appointment to Cabinet in 2003 (Minister of Justice and Attorney General). In 1986, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs on March 11, 2005.

On December 29, 2006, Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General on October 31, 2008.

On October 7, 2009, Mr. Marshall was appointed as Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, and on October 26, 2009, was appointed Acting Minister of Transportation and Works and Acting Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation.

Mr. Marshall was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

Hon. Darin King, Member for Grand Bank

Darin King was first elected to the House of Assembly for Newfoundland and Labrador on October 9, 2007, and was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education. He has served on the House of Assembly Social Services and Public Accounts Committees. Dr. King was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

Dr. King was appointed to Executive Council and sworn in as the Minister of Education in April, 2009. On January 13, 2011, he was appointed as Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities; Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency; Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement; Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission; and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation.

He was born in Grand Bank, and raised in Fortune, on the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. After high school, he completed a Bachelor of Education and Diploma in School Resources Services from Memorial University; Masters of Education at Saint Mary's University, Halifax; and a PhD from Northcentral University, Arizona.

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. Through his career in education, he served as a classroom teacher; and in a variety of leadership positions at the school and school district levels. He has taught graduate studies at Memorial University and served as a supervisor of doctoral students.

Dr. King has acquired an extensive background in community service and rural development as a result of serving on a variety of boards and organizations.

Darin King and his wife, Colleen, have two children, Mitchell and Kate.

Hon. Susan Sullivan, Member for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans

Susan Sullivan was elected to the House of Assembly in the deferred general election in the district of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans on November 6, 2007. In December 2010 she was appointed Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. Prior to her current portfolio, Minister Sullivan served as Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities; Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

Born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor, Minister Sullivan is fiercely proud of her hometown and its rich legacy of social, cultural, and economic leadership.

Ms. Sullivan has a Bachelor of Arts (French major) and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. She has a Masters of Education (literacy) from Mount St. Vincent University and a French immersion diploma from l'Université Laval.

She retired in June of 2007 following a 30-year teaching career, working the last seven years as the French Department Head for the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation where she taught senior high French to all parts of the province via the Internet.

In the 2005 municipal election, Ms. Sullivan was elected Deputy Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor, serving as Chair of the Public Works and Engineering Committee and the 2006 Salmon Festival. She was a member of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, the Finance and Human Resources Committee, and the Post-secondary Education Committee. She was also a director of the EXCITE Corporation and a board member of the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation where she served on the Municipalities Committee as well as the Education and IT Committees.

On October 11, 2011 Ms. Sullivan was re-elected to the House of Assembly.

Hon. Keith Hutchings, Member for Ferryland

Keith Hutchings was born the youngest of six children and grew up in the small community of Mobile on the Southern Shore. Keith attended St. Bernard's Elementary School in Witless Bay and Mobile Central High. He has been active in the sporting community, involved in coaching, active as a volunteer, serving on various sporting executives and as well chairing various fundraising events.

Mr. Hutchings graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Political Science and obtained a Certificate in Public Administration from Memorial, as well as an Occupational Health and Safety Program from Ryerson University in Toronto.

Mr. Hutchings’ professional career has included 11 years with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. He also served as Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to then Leader of the Official Opposition in the Provincial House of Assembly (1996 -1998) and successfully ran his own consulting business.

Mr. Hutchings was elected as the 9th Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Ferryland since Confederation in a by-election on February 8th, 2007. In the general election of October 9, 2007 he was re-elected and appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment on October 30, 2007. On November 27, 2009 Mr. Hutchings was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

Keith Hutchings was re-elected as the Member for Ferryland on October 11, 2011.

Hon. Nick McGrath, Member for Labrador West

In the October 11, 2011 general election, Nick McGrath was elected to represent the people of the District of Labrador West in the House of Assembly.

Mr. McGrath was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the second youngest of parents Kathleen (Dobbin) and William McGrath’s 11 children.

As a young man seeking work opportunities, he moved to Labrador West 33 years ago and made it his home.

In the past three decades, Mr. McGrath has established himself as a successful businessman who has owned and operated six businesses in Labrador West. He has embraced challenges and enjoyed many successes over his years in Labrador West working and volunteering in his community.

Mr. McGrath has been a strong advocate for Labrador West and has a long and varied list of volunteer activities and leadership roles he has been a part of. These include: Northern Shotokan Karate Club; Lab West Rotary Club (Past President); Labrador West Rowing Association (President); Labrador West Coxswains Association (Past President); Labrador City Town Council (Councillor); Carol Players Drama Club (Past President); a member of Northern Lights Drama Club; the Labrador Chair of East, West, North Expo; Hospitality NL (Past President); a member of the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce; board member of Destination Labrador; Labrador West Tourism Association (Past President); Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Sacristan, Lector, Altar Server; Labrador Grenfell Health – Director 2004 -2008; Councillor – Town of Labrador City (elected in 2009); and President of Combined Councils of Labrador (elected in 2010).

Over the years, Mr. McGrath has realized many milestones and has gained plenty of recognition for his contributions to the towns of Labrador City and Wabush as well as his contributions to the province.

These achievements include: Shotokan Karate Martial Arts – Shodan Rank (Black Belt); Builders Award (Town of Labrador City); Golden Umbrella Award (Hospitality NL); Ambassador Award (Hospitality NL); Restaurateur of the year Award (NLRFSA); Reg Harte Memorial Award 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011 (NL Drama Society); Presidents Award (LWRA); Coxswains Award (LWRA); and, Marie Greene Award (LWCC).

With a solid and experienced background on a municipal, regional, provincial and national level, Mr. McGrath stepped forward to put that experience to work in the House of Assembly for the betterment of his constituency.

Mr. McGrath has a daughter Krista-Lee, a son Joshua and one grandson, Nash.

Hon. Felix Collins, Member for Placentia-St. Mary’s

Born in St. Anne’s, Placentia Bay, Felix Collins graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1964 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1968. He completed a Masters of Education degree in 1972 from the University of Boston and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa in 1995 at which time he was awarded the Newton Rowell Scholarship for his dedication to public service.

Mr. Collins worked as a school principal, teacher, coordinator and a Superintendent of Education until retirement in 1992 at which time he entered law school. He was called to the Newfoundland Bar in April 1996 and is a Member of the Law Society of Newfoundland. He practised law in St. John’s until 2007.

Mr. Collins was Mayor of the Town of Placentia for 16 years and a member of the Placentia Council for 19 years. He was chairperson of the first Joint Councils of the Placentia area and served as Chairperson of the Placentia Area Recreation Commission. He has served on numerous boards and committees and has acted as Commissioner for a number of municipal public hearings under the Rural and Urban Planning Act. He was one of the founding directors of the Placentia Health Care Board, and served eight years as its Vice-President. He served six years on the Board of Directors of Marine Atlantic.

In 1990 Mr. Collins was named first winner of the Johnson Foundation Award, presented annually by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association to a provincial educator who has made a major contribution to community life. That same year he was named Placentia Citizen of the Year.

In February, 2006, Mr. Collins was elected as MHA for Placentia - St. Mary’s in a by-election. He was re-elected in the October 9, 2007 general election.

As a Member of the House of Assembly, Mr. Collins has served as Deputy Chair of Committees, Chair of the Elections and Privileges Committee, and as a Member of the Public Accounts Committee. He also served as Legislative Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and as Commissioner for the St. John’s Urban Region (Agricultural) Development Area Boundary Review.

On October 7, 2009, Mr. Collins was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Mr. Collins was re-elected as the Member for Placentia – St. Mary’s on October 11, 2011.

Mr. Collins is married, and has three children and one granddaughter.

Hon. Kevin O’Brien, Member for Gander

Kevin O'Brien was sworn in as the Member for the District of Gander on November 12, 2003.

Born at Ferryland, where he received his early education, Mr. O’Brien graduated with Honours from Baltimore High School. He first moved to Gander District in 1974 to complete his pharmacy internships under the watchful eyes of Albert and Roy Jenkins at Gander Drugs. Upon his graduation from the School of Pharmacy, he moved to Gander to make it his permanent home. He started his career in pharmacy at Gander Drugs, moving on to Kelways where he worked for 16 years. Mr. O’Brien’s belief in Gander as a viable and growing area was demonstrated in 1995 when he established his own business – O'Brien's Pharmacy and Medical Centre.

During his career, he has been elected to the Board of Directors of the ARP pharmacy banner program, where he has served as a director and chaired several committees. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Medi-Plus Pharmacies, a national pharmacy chain, and served as chair of the board for two years. He was presented with the National Commitment to Community Care Award by the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. O’Brien has also served as director on both the Gander Area Chamber of Commerce and Gander World Wide, and prior to 2003, he served as President of Aero Marine Products Ltd, an aerospace supply company.

Mr. O’Brien was very active in the Royal Canadian Legion, serving as First Vice President and also on the sponsoring committee of the 537 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron. During that time, he spearheaded a Federal Government sponsored renovation to what is now the home of the 537 Air Cadets. He served in the Canadian Forces reserves for 16 years, rising to Company Commander of the Royal Canadian Rangers. He was also very active with the Knights of Columbus, serving as a director of the Centennial Club.

The accomplishment that gives Mr. O’Brien the most pleasure lies in his involvement with the seniors of the district. When government funding was cut for Seniors' Resource Centres in the province, he provided free space at one of his locations to keep this vital service available. He served as Chair of the Board of the Golden Legion Manor, a non-profit organization providing apartment housing to seniors. Over his several years in this position, he spearheaded two expansions totaling approximately $8 million in construction capital with the addition of 54 apartments to the original 48.

Mr. O’Brien is married to Rhonda Graham. They have three daughters: Adrianne, Tricia and Taylor.

He served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier from April 6, 2005 to July 5, 2006. He was appointed Minister of Business on July 5, 2006.

On October 9, 2007, Mr. O'Brien was re-elected to the House of Assembly, and on October 30, he was appointed Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency. On October 13, 2010 he was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, and Registrar General. He was re-elected as MHA for Gander on October 11, 2011.

Hon. Jerome Kennedy, Member for Carbonear-Harbour Grace

Jerome Kennedy was born and raised in Carbonear and graduated from Memorial University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours). He attended the University of New Brunswick Law School and graduated in 1984 with an LL.B. and was admitted to the Newfoundland Bar in 1985. He began practising criminal law full time in 1989.

During his career Mr. Kennedy practised at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Prior to his election and subsequent appointment as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Kennedy practised with the criminal law firm Simmonds Kennedy in St John’s.

On October 31, 2008, Mr. Kennedy was appointed Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat and Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

On October 7, 2009, Mr. Kennedy was appointed as Minister of Health and Community Services.

Mr. Kennedy was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

He currently lives in St. John’s with his wife and their two children

Hon. Paul Davis, Member for Topsail

Paul Davis joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 1985 after graduating from Holland College. In 1987, he transferred to the Corner Brook Division where he served the citizens of western Newfoundland for a five-year period until being re-assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division based at RNC Headquarters in St. John’s. During his service there, he received several assignments including Property Crimes, Major Crimes and the Child Abuse Sexual Assault Units. Mr. Davis also enjoyed serving the public in assignments with the Mount Pearl Community Policing Unit, West District Patrol Services and most recently as the RNC Media Relations Officer.

Mr. Davis has always been an active community member. He has served on a variety of local, regional and national boards and executives. He served nine years as a Conception Bay South town councillor, being elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He was twice chosen as Deputy Mayor by his council colleagues and chaired the Finance and Administration Committees.

Some of his career highlights include being named the Crime Stoppers Police Officer of the Year and the Conception Bay South Citizen of the Year. He is a recipient of the Canada 125 Medal, Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Police Exemplary Service Medal. In 2005, he was elected to the RNC Association Executive and remained an active member until his retirement in 2010.

Mr. Davis was elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Topsail in a by-election on March 16, 2010. He resides in the Topsail District with his wife and son.

Mr. Davis was re-elected to the House of Assembly as the Member for Topsail on October 11, 2011

Hon. Derek Dalley, Member for The Isles of Notre Dame

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 Mr. Dalley continued in his role as Guidance Counsellor 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 MHA 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.

On January 13, 2011, Mr. Dalley was appointed Minister of Business.

He was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

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

Hon. Tom Hedderson, Member for Harbour Main

First elected to the House of Assembly on February 9, 1999 to represent the District of Harbour Main - Whitbourne. Mr. Hedderson has served as Opposition Critic for Education (K-12), Parliamentary Assistant to the Leader of the Opposition and as Critic for Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education. Re-elected for a second term on October 21, 2003, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education and Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education. Mr. Hedderson was appointed Minister of Education October 1, 2004. He was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on November 8, 2005.

Mr. Hedderson was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture on October 31, 2008, and served as Acting Minister of Municipal Affairs; on November 27, 2009 as Minister of Transportation; and was Acting Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, and Registrar General from October 26, 2009 to March 18, 2010.

On October 9, 2007, Mr. Hedderson was re-elected to the House of Assembly for a third term, and on October 30, he was appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. He was re-elected once again on October 11, 2011.

Sandy Collins, Member for Terra Nova

Mr.Collins was born in Gander and raised in Glovertown. He graduated from Glovertown Academy in 1996. Upon completion of high school, he attended Memorial University. In 2001, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and History. He then accepted a one-year teaching position in South Korea. As a result of that experience, he returned to university and in 2003 received a Bachelor of Education and completed his four-month teaching internship at Holy Cross School in Eastport. In October of 2003, he accepted his second contract in South Korea.

Upon his return to Newfoundland, Mr. Collins took the position of Constituency Assistant to the MHA for Terra Nova. From January 2004 until October 2007 in that position, he assisted the residents, businesses and councils of Terra Nova with their wide variety of issues and concerns. He was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get to know many people on a personal level and valuable connections were made.

In 2007, Mr. Collins took on a new role as Executive Assistant (EA) to the Minister of Business and then EA to the Minister of Health and Community Services. This position allowed him to understand and appreciate the inner workings of government on a departmental level. He remained in this position until October of this year.

Mr. Collins was elected in a by-election on November 26, 2009 to represent the people of Terra Nova District in the House of Assembly. He was re-elected in the October 11, 2011 general election.

Vaughn Granter, Member for Humber West

Vaughn Granter was born in Pool’s Island, Bonavista Bay, in 1965. He has worked in the education field as an educational leader since 1987. He is a graduate of Memorial University (Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education) and Saint Francis Xavier University (Master of Education). He and his partner Eileen Gibbons have been living in the Humber West district for over 15 years.

Mr. Granter prides himself on being an effective listener and team player. His passion is working with people. As Principal of Corner Brook Regional High, he has been recognized as one of the top 30 Principals in Canada, a distinction that reflects his ability to bring people together and make effective decisions. He credits his success to the collaborative approach that he adopts in working not only with students but also with their families and the broader community. He looks forward to the chance to partner with the community in advancing key issues in his priority areas that include housing, health care, and education.

Mr. Granter was first elected in the by-election in Humber West on February 15, 2011. He was re-elected in the October 11, 2011 general election.

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