Executive Council
March 10, 2016

Creating Public Confidence in Government Operations

Premier Ball Introduces Inaugural Legislation to Modernize Appointment Process

Today in the House of Assembly, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will introduce his government's inaugural legislation - an act to establish an Independent Appointments Commission and to require a merit-based process for various appointments. There will also be amendments made to the Public Service Commission Act to detail their work to support the Independent Appointments Commission.

"By taking this action my government will bring greater accountability and transparency to the appointment process. We are modernizing how appointments are made, and clearing a path for the most qualified people to apply for a position, be considered and selected on their merits. Once in place, Newfoundland and Labrador will be the only province in the country with a legislated merit-based appointment process."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The new legislation will result in the creation of a five-person, non-partisan Independent Appointments Commission. This commission will:

• Observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in their consideration of all potential candidates;
• Assess candidates for chief executive officers or equivalent positions within approximately 30 tier one agencies, boards and commissions, as well as members of the associated boards;
• Recommend three individuals per position for Cabinet's approval; and
• Complete an annual activity report in accordance with the Transparency and Accountability Act.

In addition to the establishment of the Independent Appointments Commission, a new merit-based process will also apply to appointments for all remaining 128 agencies, boards and commissions. In those cases, the Public Service Commission will manage a process to ensure these appointments are also based on merit. A skill and criteria profile will be developed for every organization. The Public Service Commission will make recommendations to the relevant minister for approval in these situations.

"This is fair and fully transparent legislation which supports the Premier's vision of an appointment process that instills confidence in the operations of government - a process that will assure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that those appointed are the most qualified people for the job."
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission

A public-facing website will be developed to provide information on membership, terms and vacancies, and allow for online application for vacant positions. Information and appointments will be updated on an ongoing basis.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, agencies, boards and commissions, including regional health authorities, and Nalcor make up approximately 43 per cent of total government expenditures and 75 per cent of total public sector employment. There are more than 1,200 positions and based on previous years, it is expected that there will be 250 appointments annually.

Agencies, boards and commissions included in Bill One - An Act to Establish a Merit-Based Appointment Process and Independent Appointments.

QUICK FACTS

• Premier Ball today will introduce his government's inaugural legislation - an act to establish an Independent Appointments Commission and to require a merit-based process for various appointments.
• The Provincial Government is implementing a consistent, inclusive process that ensures that the right people are engaged in making decisions that impact the people of the province.
• The Independent Appointments Commission will consist of five people who are non-partisan and appointed through a resolution in the House of Assembly.
• Members of the Independent Appointments Commission will not be entitled to remuneration. They will be compensated for incurred expenses in the performance of their duties.
• Through this modernized appointments process, the Provincial Government will encourage diversity and regional representation.

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Media contacts:

Nancy O'Connor Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-689-1825 nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca

Erin Curran Communications Specialist Office of the Premier 709-725-9231 ErinCurran@gov.nl.ca

2016 03 10                              1:15 p.m.