Finance
October 31, 2016

Government Streamlines Communications Positions

The Provincial Government announced today that it has eliminated 13 communications positions. This decision corresponds with the previous elimination of senior executive positions at the deputy minister and assistant deputy minister level.

Executive Council and seven government departments are impacted by this communications restructuring which has resulted in the elimination of six public relations specialist positions, four media relations manager positions and three communications director positions. Ten of the 13 positions have been vacant and were eliminated in June 2016, while the remaining three positions coincide with the departmental reorganization which occurred on August 17, 2016.

The cost associated with the elimination of these positions is $132,000 for pay in lieu of notice. The changes announced today were identified through a close review of the structure of government departments. These changes will result in a leaner government structure with more efficient planning, better management framework and sound governance.

Through these eliminations government has achieved a 31 per cent reduction in communications positions; this is in addition to the 20 per cent reduction in assistant deputy minister positions announced last week, and the 19 per cent reduction in deputy minister positions announced in August. Government recognizes and appreciates the dedication of all public service employees and appreciates their commitment to the work of government.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has eliminated 13 communications positions impacting seven departments and Executive Council.
• The cost associated with the elimination of these positions is $132,000 for pay in lieu of notice.
• Through these eliminations government has achieved a 31 per cent reduction in communications positions; this is in addition to the recent 20 per cent reduction in assistant deputy minister positions and the 19 per cent reduction in deputy minister positions.

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 31             2:25 p.m.