Minister Responds to Withdrawal of C-NLOPB Nomination

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources, responded today to the decision by Elizabeth Matthews to withdraw from the board of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) and from the nomination process for appointment as vice-chair.

“While I respect Ms. Matthews’ decision, I am disappointed that such an accomplished and capable individual was pushed to such a decision by petty political maneuvering by the Opposition that went too far,” said Minister Skinner. “As a government, we stand behind our decision to nominate Ms. Matthews and I have no doubt she would have made tremendous contributions to the board.”

A decision has not been made on who will replace Ms. Matthews in the nomination process.

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Media contact:
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2011 03 14             11:45 a.m.