Premier Williams congratulates John Efford

Premier Danny Williams today extended congratulations to John Efford, Member of Parliament for the district of Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, on his appointment as federal Minister of Natural Resources.

"I am pleased that Mr. Efford will be representing our province in Cabinet and I wish him the best of luck in this new and challenging portfolio," said Premier Williams. "I look forward to developing a renewed and improved relationship with Ottawa and to working with Minister Efford to achieve this goal. I am confident that Mr. Efford�s appointment to Prime Minister Martin�s new Cabinet will assist us in addressing the concerns of this province with the federal government."

Mr. Efford was sworn in during a ceremony this morning in Ottawa.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications (709) 729-3960; (709) 690-5500 (cell)

2003 12 12                                       4:15 p.m.