Premier announces senior appointment for Labrador

Premier Danny Williams today announced the appointment of Ron Bowles as an assistant deputy minister in the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, effective immediately.

�Mr. Bowles brings a strong understanding of Labrador�s unique issues to this position and I am delighted he has accepted this new challenge,� said Premier Williams. �His perspective as a Labradorian and his involvement with communities, as well as social and economic organizations within Labrador, will be a tremendous asset as our government continues to build on the positive initiatives we have undertaken to ensure the long-term prosperity of the region.�

Premier Williams noted that Mr. Bowles� strong ties to Labrador will greatly support government in fulfilling its agenda for Labrador. �Our government has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the people of Labrador. This year alone we invested over $58 million to improve access to health services in Labrador, strengthen Aboriginal communities, build and repair infrastructure and expand economic opportunities,� he said. �We look forward to building on these initiatives as we continue to foster the development of the Lower Churchill.�

Mr. Bowles� position will be located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Biography
Ron Bowles has served since 1998 in various management positions within the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs where he has built strong relationships with Labrador�s Aboriginal communities, town councils and regional economic development boards. During his tenure he co-chaired the management committee of the Inuit Communities Agreement, served as a provincial representative on the Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research and currently sits on the Board of Governors for the 2006 Labrador Winter Games.

Prior to working in government, Mr. Bowles was the executive director of the Central Labrador Economic Development Board and served as councillor and deputy mayor of the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He is also a former educator and began his career teaching high school in Churchill Falls.

Mr. Bowles grew up in Churchill Falls and now resides in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with his family. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of New Brunswick, a bachelor of education from Memorial University and has completed the Executive Development Program from Memorial�s Centre for Management Development.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 11 02                 9:20 a.m.