Executive appointments announced

Premier Danny Williams today announced the appointment of Alastair O�Rielly as deputy minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Mike Samson as deputy minister (Emergency Planning).

"Mr. O�Rielly brings a wealth of private sector and government fisheries experience to the deputy minister position," Premier Williams said. "His solid credentials and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture policy are valuable assets in fulfilling his new role and responsibilities."

Mr. O�Rielly�s appointment will be effective March 11.

Mr. Samson, who most recently served as deputy minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, assumes his new position on February 27.

"Mr. Samson has demonstrated his strong commitment to serving the public interest since he began his career with the provincial government in 1988," the Premier said. "We look forward to his continued contribution in his new capacity."

Mr. Samson will have responsibility for developing a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness within the provincial government, and make recommendations to government on legislative changes, financial and organizational requirements for more effective emergency preparedness.

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

Alastair O�Rielly
Mr. O'Reilly served in management positions with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including as assistant deputy minister with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and in the Cabinet Secretariat. He moved to the private sector in 1989, assuming senior positions with Argosy Seafoods Limited and Clearwater Fine Foods, Inc. He also worked as an independent fisheries development consultant prior to joining the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) as managing director in 1993. During his term with the agency, Mr. O'Rielly built up its industrial clientele base and led a number of strategic initiatives. In 1997, he became the president of the Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (FANL).

Mr. O'Rielly is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation and the National Seafood Sector Council. He has also served as a member of Fisheries' Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT), a Canadian delegate to Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), the Marine Institute's Advisory Board,

the Board of Directors of the Fisheries Council of Canada and the Board of One Ocean. Mr. O'Rielly completed a bachelor of commerce at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Mike Samson
Mr. Samson began his career with the provincial government in 1988. He was appointed deputy minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture in 1998. Prior to that, he served as deputy minister (acting) of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat. He has also served in other policy positions, including with the then Native Policy Branch of Executive Council. Mr. Samson also held the position of executive director, Aboriginal Affairs, Executive Council.

Mr. Samson holds a B.A. in political science and economics from Acadia University, and undertook graduate studies in Canadian Government and Newfoundland Politics at Memorial University.

2006 02 23                                       3:55 p.m.