NLIS 4
April 5, 2005
(Executive Council)
Premier announces
senior appointment for Labrador
Premier Danny Williams today
announced the appointment of Bill Flowers as deputy minister of
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, effective April 25, 2005.
"Mr. Flowers is believed to be the first member of an Aboriginal
organization to be appointed as deputy minister in the Newfoundland
and Labrador public service," said Premier Williams. "I am delighted
that Mr. Flowers has accepted this position and our government looks
forward to benefiting from his experience and knowledge. He has
demonstrated excellent leadership through his work with Aboriginal
groups and governments throughout Atlantic Canada, and we are
pleased to welcome him to the department."
The Premier added that Mr. Flowers will play a key role in
delivering the province�s agenda for Labrador. "Our strategic social
and economic investments, including those announced in Budget 2005
and during our recent visit to Labrador, underscore this
government�s commitment to the long-term prosperity of the region,"
said the Premier.
Premier Williams noted that Mr. Flowers� extensive experience with
Aboriginal groups will be a great asset in his new position. "Our
government has demonstrated our commitment to improving the health
and well being of Aboriginal communities in Labrador, including
several positive announcements in Budget 2005, and I am delighted
with the wealth of experience Mr. Flowers will bring to this
position," he said. "We look forward to building upon important
initiatives such as the Northern Strategic Plan, Lower Churchill
development, the northern agrifoods strategy and Destination
Labrador."
Following through on government�s commitment, Mr. Flowers� position
will be located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. "Locating this key
position in Labrador is important to successfully fulfilling our
agenda for Labrador. Being on the ground will enable Mr. Flowers to
more easily interact and consult with the people and stakeholders in
the region," added the Premier.
Mr. Flowers fills a position that has been occupied in an acting
capacity by Sean Dutton since July 2004.
"I appreciate the work Mr. Dutton has done while acting in this
position," said Premier Williams. "Mr. Dutton has contributed
immensely to the implementation of our agenda for Labrador and I
look forward to his continued contributions, as collectively we work
on issues of importance to the region."
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709)
729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Biography
Bill Flowers has served since 2001 as manager of treaties, claims
and self-government with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, where
he has worked with First-Nation and other governments throughout
Atlantic Canada on the negotiation of land claims agreements. He has
also worked extensively with the federal and provincial governments
in economic and community development in Labrador.
Mr. Flowers has also been involved in the field of education as a
member of the Labrador School Board for several years. He was the
inaugural chair of the Voisey�s Bay Environmental Management Board,
established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with the
Government of Canada, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu
Nation, to ensure continuity of benefits to Labrador Aboriginal
groups from the Voisey�s Bay development.
Mr. Flowers holds a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Update - April 13 -
Premier comments on deputy minister of
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs position
2005 04 05
3:35 p.m. |