The following statement was issued today by Premier Brian Tobin. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Appointment of a New Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner of Members' Interests

I wish to inform the House that effective today - and by agreement of all parties in the House of Assembly - Mr. Robert Jenkins will become the province's Chief Electoral Officer and, with the House's approval, the Commissioner of Members' Interests.

Mr. Jenkins is a former Clerk of the Executive Council, and a senior deputy minister. He succeeds Mr. Wayne Mitchell, who will take up new duties as Secretary to His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Mitchell will replace Brigadier-General Gordon Barnes, the current Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor . For practical purposes, Brigadier-General Barnes will continue to serve His Honour, Mr. Frederick Russell, to the end of his term. Mr. Mitchell will fully assume his duties when the incoming Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Max House assumes his duties as Lieutenant Governor in early February.

I want to take this opportunity to join with my colleagues on both sides of the House, to thank Mr. Mitchell for his service in the important role of Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner of Members' Interests. It is a role which is central to the exercise of the democratic process, and Mr. Mitchell has served with great diligence.

I want, as well, to congratulate him on his new appointment, which will be a key one in the service of His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor, in 1997 - the year of our 500th anniversary celebrations, and the year in which we will host her Majesty the Queen.

I also want to thank Brigadier-General Barnes for his loyal service.

And finally, I want to congratulate Mr. Jenkins on his new appointment.