Executive Council
October 9, 2013

Premier Announces Changes to Cabinet

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a significant restructuring of her Cabinet today.

The following Ministers have taken on new portfolios or new responsibilities:

The Honourable Joan Shea is appointed as Minister of Environment and Conservation, Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading, and as Deputy Government House Leader.

The Honourable Thomas W. Marshall Q.C. is appointed as Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, in addition to his existing duties as Attorney General.

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien is appointed as Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

The Honourable Charlene Johnson is appointed as Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation, in addition to her existing duties as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

The Honourable Derrick Dalley is appointed as Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency.

The Honourable Keith Hutchings is appointed as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Honourable Paul Davis is appointed as Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

The Honourable Nick McGrath is appointed as Minister of Transportation and Works, in addition to his existing duties as Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.

The Honourable Steve Kent is appointed as Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General.

The Honourable Dan Crummell is appointed as Minister of Service NL, Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency.

The following Ministers will remain in their current portfolios:

• The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education,
• The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs,
  
• The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, and Government House Leader, and;
• The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

“We have a dedicated and strong team of Cabinet ministers who each bring with them a wealth of knowledge and personal experience that allows us all to ensure we continue to make decisions that are in the best interests of the people of this province,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I am pleased to welcome two new ministers to my Cabinet, and I want to thank existing ministers who are taking on new portfolios and others who will continue to lead their departments with the skill and passion they have demonstrated in the past.”

The Premier also announced the fulfillment of a Budget 2013 commitment to reduce Cabinet by one member, bringing the total number of ministers to 15, by bringing together the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat. The Premier also announced today that Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs will be combined into one office.

“We have to be ever mindful of our government’s fiscal responsibility,” said Premier Dunderdale. “On Budget Day I committed to demonstrate that responsibility within my own Cabinet. The repositioning of the intergovernmental affairs mandate within a new department and the realignment of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs allows us to achieve cost savings.”

Premier Dunderdale also announced the following additional appointments:

Tom Hedderson is appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

Tony Cornect is appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

Paul Lane is appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.

Vaughn Granter will remain in his current position as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources.

Sandy Collins will remain in his current position as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

“I have enormous respect and gratitude for members of my caucus who are taking a step back from Cabinet while continuing to provide a valued voice for their constituents,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I want to thank Mr. Felix Collins, who will remain the MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, for his service as a Cabinet Minister. I want to also thank Mr. Tom Hedderson, MHA for Harbour Main, for his valuable contributions as a Cabinet Minister and welcome him to his new role as my Parliamentary Assistant. I am so pleased to have his experience and insight in this new role.”

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca

Tracey Boland Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 697-3128 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Biographies

Hon. Joan Shea, Member for St. George’s-Stephenville East
Joan Shea was born and raised in Bishop’s Falls and has lived in Stephenville for many years. In 1987 she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland and obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 1990. She has been elected to the House of Assembly in the District of St. George's - Stephenville East in October 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Since 2003, Ms. Shea’s Cabinet appointments have included Human Resources and Employment, Education, and Child, Youth and Family Services. Her additional responsibilities have included Status of Women, Labour Relations Agency, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and lead Minister for Immigration and Multiculturalism.

In May 2008, Ms. Shea was named Government House Leader, the first time a woman has been appointed to this position in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In October 2011, Ms. Shea was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities and for Youth Engagement.

Hon. Tom Marshall Q.C., Member for Humber East
Tom Marshall is the son of the late Sylvia Marshall and the late Jack Marshall, former Senator and former Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Humber-St. George’s-St. Barbe. Mr. Marshall grew up in Corner Brook before attending Memorial University, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1969, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1972. After graduation, he returned to Corner Brook and joined the law firm of Barry, Wells and Monaghan as an associate lawyer, articling with Kevin Barry, Q.C., and became a partner in the firm of Barry, Wells, Monaghan, Seaborn and Marshall in 1975. He remained senior partner with the firm of Monaghan, Marshall, Murphy and Watton until his election and subsequent appointment to Cabinet in 2003 (Minister of Justice and Attorney General). In 1986, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs on March 11, 2005.

On December 29, 2006, Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General on October 31, 2008.

On October 7, 2009, Mr. Marshall was appointed as Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, and on October 26, 2009, was appointed Acting Minister of Transportation and Works and Acting Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation.

Mr. Marshall was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

On October 19, 2012, Mr. Marshall was appointed Attorney General, in addition to his existing responsibilities as Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. In January, 2013, he was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, in addition to his continued responsibilities as Attorney General.

Hon. Kevin O’Brien, Member for Gander
Kevin O’Brien was sworn in as the Member for the District of Gander on November 12, 2003.

Born at Ferryland, where he received his early education, he graduated with Honours from Baltimore High School. He first moved to Gander District in 1974 to complete his pharmacy internships under the watchful eyes of Albert and Roy Jenkins at Gander Drugs. Upon his graduation from the School of Pharmacy, he moved to Gander to make it his permanent home. He started his career in pharmacy at Gander Drugs, moving on to Kelways where he worked for 16 years. In 1995 he established his own business – O’Brien’s Pharmacy and Medical Centre.

During his career, he has been elected to the Board of Directors of the ARP pharmacy banner program, where he has served as a director and chaired several committees. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Medi-Plus Pharmacies, a national pharmacy chain, and served as chair of the board for two years. He was presented with the National Commitment to Community Care Award by the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. O’Brien has also served as director on both the Gander Area Chamber of Commerce and Gander World Wide, and prior to 2003, he served as President of Aero Marine Products Ltd, an aerospace supply company.

Mr. O’Brien served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier from April 6, 2005 to July 5, 2006. He was appointed Minister of Business on July 5, 2006.

On October 9, 2007, Mr. O’Brien was re-elected to the House of Assembly, and on October 30, he was appointed Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency.

He was re-elected once again on October 11, 2011 and, on October 28, 2011, was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General.

Hon. Charlene Johnson, Member for Trinity – Bay de Verde
Charlene Johnson, the youngest woman ever elected to serve in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, is passionate about sustainable development and the protection of our natural resources. Born in Carbonear and raised in the Conception Bay community of Gull Island, Charlene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Applied Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

During her academic years, Ms. Johnson held work placements not only in Newfoundland and Labrador but also in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia and California.

Ms. Johnson was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources on July 5, 2006.

Re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, Ms. Johnson was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation on October 30. On January 13, 2011, she was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

Ms. Johnson was re-elected as the Member for Trinity - Bay de Verde on October 11, 2011. On October 28, 2011, she was re-appointed as Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, as well as being appointed as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Hon. Derrick Dalley, Member for The Isles of Notre Dame
Derrick Dalley was born in Twillingate, Notre Dame Bay. He spent his early childhood in Springdale and later returned to Twillingate where he completed high school at J.M.Olds Collegiate. He graduated from Memorial University in 1987 with Bachelor Degrees in Arts and Education which included a Political Science major. In 1992, he completed a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling at the University of New Brunswick.

Mr. Dalley started his career as a Social Worker in Twillingate. After a year he moved to education and became the Guidance Counsellor in Baie Verte. For seven years Mr. Dalley continued in his role as Guidance Counsellor for several schools on the Baie Verte Peninsula before moving to Twillingate in 1995. He continued his career in education in various capacities, including principal of Inter Island Academy of New World Island and Guidance Counsellor and Principal of J. M. Olds Academy of Twillingate.

Mr. Dalley has always been very active in the area of sports, having participated in many sports including hockey and softball. He has spent much of his free time coaching and teaching hockey and working with students who are actively involved in school life.

Mr. Dalley was first elected as MHA for the District of The Isles of Notre Dame in the election of October 9, 2007. He was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Public Accounts Committee on January 9, 2008.

On January 13, 2011, Mr. Dalley was appointed Minister of Business. He was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. On October 19, 2012, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Hon. Keith Hutchings, Member for Ferryland
Keith Hutchings was born the youngest of six children and grew up in the small community of Mobile on the Southern Shore. Keith attended St. Bernard s Elementary School in Witless Bay and Mobile Central High. He has been active in the sporting community, involved in coaching, active as a volunteer, serving on various sporting executives and as well chairing various fundraising events.

Mr. Hutchings graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and obtained a Certificate in Public Administration from Memorial, as well as an Occupational Health and Safety Program from Ryerson University in Toronto.

Mr. Hutchings’ professional career has included 11 years with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. He also served as Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to then Leader of the Official Opposition in the Provincial House of Assembly (1996 -1998) and successfully ran his own consulting business.

Mr. Hutchings was elected as the 9th Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Ferryland since Confederation in a by-election on February 8, 2007. In the general election of October 9, 2007 he was re-elected and appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment on October 30, 2007. On November 27, 2009 Mr. Hutchings was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

Mr. Hutchings was re-elected as the Member for Ferryland on October 11, 2011. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed as Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, and the Research & Development Corporation. On October 19, 2012, Mr. Hutchings was also appointed Minister Responsible for the newly formed Office of Public Engagement.

Hon. Paul Davis, Member for Topsail
Paul Davis was elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Topsail in a by-election on March 16, 2010. Mr. Davis was re-elected to the House of Assembly as the Member for Topsail on October 11, 2011. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed as Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency, Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. On October 19, 2012, he was appointed Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

Mr. Davis joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 1985 after graduating from Holland College. In 1987, he transferred to the Corner Brook Division where he served the citizens of western Newfoundland for a five-year period until being re-assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division based at RNC Headquarters in St. John’s. During his service there, he received several assignments including Property Crimes, Major Crimes and the Child Abuse Sexual Assault Units. Mr. Davis also enjoyed serving the public in assignments with the Mount Pearl Community Policing Unit, West District Patrol Services and as the RNC Media Relations Officer.

Mr. Davis has always been an active community member. He has served on a variety of local, regional and national boards and executives. He served nine years as a Conception Bay South town councillor, being elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He was twice chosen as Deputy Mayor by his council colleagues and chaired the Finance and Administration Committees.

Some of his career highlights include being named the Crime Stoppers Police Officer of the Year and the Conception Bay South Citizen of the Year. He is a recipient of the Canada 125 Medal, Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Police Exemplary Service Medal. In 2005, he was elected to the RNC Association Executive and remained an active member until his retirement in 2010.

Hon. Nick McGrath, Member for Labrador West
In the October 11, 2011 general election, Nick McGrath was elected to represent the people of the District of Labrador West in the House of Assembly. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed as Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, and the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector. On October 19, 2012, he was appointed as Minister of Service NL, Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency, in addition to his existing responsibilities as Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs.

In the past three decades, Mr. McGrath has established himself as a successful businessman who has owned and operated six businesses in Labrador West. He has embraced challenges and enjoyed many successes over his years in Labrador West working and volunteering in his community.

Mr. McGrath has been a strong advocate for Labrador West and has a long and varied list of volunteer activities and leadership roles he has been a part of. These include: Northern Shotokan Karate Club; Lab West Rotary Club (Past President); Labrador West Rowing Association (President); Labrador West Coxswains Association (Past President); Labrador City Town Council (Councillor); Carol Players Drama Club (Past President); a member of Northern Lights Drama Club; the Labrador Chair of East, West, North Expo; Hospitality NL (Past President); a member of the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce; board member of Destination Labrador; Labrador West Tourism Association (Past President); Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Sacristan, Lector, Altar Server; Labrador Grenfell Health – Director 2004 -2008; Councillor – Town of Labrador City (elected in 2009); and President of Combined Councils of Labrador (elected in 2010).

With a solid and experienced background on a municipal, regional, provincial and national level, Mr. McGrath stepped forward to put that experience to work in the House of Assembly for the betterment of his constituency.

Steve Kent, Member for Mount Pearl North
Steve Kent was elected as a Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Mount Pearl North on October 9, 2007, and was re-elected on October 11, 2011. On October 24, 2012, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement.

In September 1997, Mr. Kent became the youngest elected public official in the City of Mount Pearl’s history. Receiving a record number of votes, he was elected Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl. In October 2003, he became Mount Pearl’s eighth Mayor, and was elected by acclamation in September 2005. He resigned as Mayor on October 30, 2007. During his involvement in local government, Mr. Kent served as Avalon Director on the Board of Directors of the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. He was also an active member of the Atlantic Mayors Congress.

Mr. Kent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and Certificate in Public Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Masters degree in Management from McGill University.

In his professional life, for over five years, he served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland. He then spent two years at Stirling Communications International in the role of Manager of Corporate Development. Early in 2006, he decided to incorporate his own business, The FOCUS Group Inc., and engaged in management and marketing consulting for several firms in both the private and voluntary sectors. He and his wife own FOCUS Driver Training Incorporated, which operates the Young Drivers of Canada centres in Newfoundland.

Mr. Kent has a long history of community involvement. From 1992 to 1996, he was selected as Mount Pearl's Youth of the Year, and was also named Youth Volunteer of the Year on two occasions. He received the national YTV Achievement Award for Public Service in 1996. In December 1999, Maclean’s magazine recognized Mr. Kent as one of the top 100 Canadians to watch for in the next century.

Dan Crummell, Member for St. John’s West
Mr. Crummell was raised in Gander and moved to St. John's to pursue his post-secondary education. He attended Memorial University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in History and English. While at Memorial, he served as Executive Vice-President and later President of Memorial University’s Council of the Student’s Union.

Following his university studies, he joined Molson Canada where he worked in sales and marketing for 25 years, including 10 years as Regional Sales Manager for Newfoundland and Labrador.

As a business leader, Mr. Crummell served on numerous boards and committees in the community including Destination St. John's Event Secretariat, Stand On Guard Igor Hurricane Relief Concert Committee, South East Asia Tsunami Relief Concert Committee and Molson Canada's Community Donations Fund Committee. He is also a past coach in the St. John's Caps Minor Hockey Association, as well a member of the St. John’s Elks.

Mr. Crummell was elected to the House of Assembly in the October 11, 2011 general election and appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.

Hon. Clyde Jackman, Member for Burin-Placentia West
Clyde Jackman was born in Grole, Hermitage Bay, and has resided in Baine Harbour for the past 25 years, where he and his wife raised their five children. Mr. Jackman completed his high school years at Pearce Regional High School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Education from Memorial University. In 1993, he received a Masters of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He worked in education for 27 years. His first two years of teaching took him to Cartwright, Labrador. He then returned to the Burin Peninsula and worked as a teaching principal at St. Matthew's Elementary, Boat Harbour West, and as principal at Jacques Fontaine All-Grade School, Jacques Fontaine.

Mr. Jackman has served as a volunteer at both the local and provincial levels. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the T. J. Macdonald Youth Group Home and, for 21 years, he worked as a volunteer firefighter. He was sworn in as the Member for Burin-Placentia West on November 12, 2003. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Education in June 2005. He was sworn in as Minister of Environment and Conservation on March 14, 2006.

Mr. Jackman was then re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, and on October 30 he was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

On October 31, 2008, he was appointed Acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. On November 27, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

He was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed Minister of Education.

Hon. Susan Sullivan, Member for Grand Falls-Windsor – Buchans
Susan Sullivan was elected to the House of Assembly in the general election in the district of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans on November 6, 2007, and was first appointed to Cabinet in October 2008 as Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. In December 2010, she was appointed Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. On October 11, 2011 Ms. Sullivan was re-elected to the House of Assembly, and on October 28, 2011, she was appointed Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, and Francophone Affairs.

Born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor, Ms. Sullivan is fiercely proud of her hometown and its rich legacy of social, cultural, and economic leadership.

Ms. Sullivan has a Bachelor of Arts (French major) and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. She has a Masters of Education (literacy) from Mount St. Vincent University and a French immersion diploma from l’Université Laval.

She retired in June of 2007 following a 30-year teaching career, working the last seven years as the French Department Head for the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation where she taught senior high French to all parts of the province via the Internet.

In the 2005 municipal election, Ms. Sullivan was elected Deputy Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor, serving as Chair of the Public Works and Engineering Committee and the 2006 Salmon Festival. She was a member of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, the Finance and Human Resources Committee, and the Post Secondary Education Committee. She was also a director of the EXCITE Corporation and a board member of the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation where she served on the Municipalities Committee, as well as the Education and IT Committees.

Hon. Darin King, Member for Grand Bank
Darin King was first elected to the House of Assembly for Newfoundland and Labrador on October 9, 2007, and was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education. Dr. King was sworn in as the Minister of Education in April 2009. On January 13, 2011, he was appointed as Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities; Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency; Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement; Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission; and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. He was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011, and on October 28, 2011 was appointed as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Deputy Government House Leader.

In October 2012, he was appointed as Minister of Justice, Government House Leader and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

He was born in Grand Bank, and raised in Fortune, on the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. After high school, he completed a Bachelor of Education and Diploma in School Resources Services from Memorial University; Masters of Education at Saint Mary's University, Halifax; and a PhD from Northcentral University, Arizona.

Prior to his election, Dr. King was the CEO/Director of Education for the Eastern School District with responsibility for 127 schools and approximately 46,000 students. Through his career in education, he served as a classroom teacher; and in a variety of leadership positions at the school and school district levels. He has taught graduate studies at Memorial University and served as a supervisor of doctoral students.

Dr. King has acquired an extensive background in community service and rural development as a result of serving on a variety of boards and organizations.

Hon. Terry French, Member for Conception Bay South
Terry French was elected to represent the people of Conception Bay South District in a by-election on Tuesday, November 12, 2002. In 2003, Mr. French was named the Opposition critic for Government Services and Lands, as well as Parliamentary Assistant to the Leader.

On October 21, 2003, he was re-elected Member for Conception Bay South. Mr. French was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier in November 2003 and confirmed in this role in the departmental restructuring of February 20, 2004.

On April 6, 2005 he was appointed Caucus Whip. Mr. French was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment on January 19, 2007.

Mr. French was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 9, 2007, and on October 30, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

Mr. French was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on November 27, 2009.

Upon being re-elected in October 2011, he was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading.

Mr. French was once again appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in October 2012.

Before being elected to the House of Assembly, Mr. French served as Executive Assistant to the Member of Parliament for St. John's East from 1997 to 2002.

His political experience began early. He became President of the PC Youth wing of the local PC Association in the early eighties. He served on the Provincial Executive of the PC Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and was Campaign Chairman of two successful PC campaigns in the district during the 1996 and 1999 general elections. He has served as a member of the Provincial PC Election Readiness Committee. He was heavily involved in the 2001 and 2002 provincial PC by-election wins on the Northern Peninsula and in Bonavista North.

Mr. French graduated Queen Elizabeth High School in Foxtrap in 1984 and subsequently attended Memorial University until joining his father in a family business in 1986.

Hon. Tom Hedderson, Member for Harbour Main
First elected to the House of Assembly on February 9, 1999 to represent the District of Harbour Main-Whitbourne, Mr. Hedderson subsequently served as Opposition Critic for Education (K-12), Parliamentary Assistant to the Leader of the Opposition and as Critic for Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education.

Re-elected for a second term on October 21, 2003, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education and Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education.

Mr. Hedderson was appointed Minister of Education on October 1, 2004. He was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on November 8, 2005.

Mr. Hedderson was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture on October 31, 2008, and served as Acting Minister of Municipal Affairs. On November 27, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Transportation and Works, and was Acting Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, and Registrar General from October 26, 2009 to March 18, 2010.

On October 9, 2007, Mr. Hedderson was re-elected to the House of Assembly for a third term, and on October 30, he was appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. He was re-elected once again on October 11, 2011. He was then appointed Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. In October 2012, Mr. Hedderson was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation, Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading.

Tony Cornect, Member for Port au Port
Tony Cornect was first elected to the House of Assembly in the February 8, 2007 by-election and was re-elected in the October 9, 2007 and October 11, 2011 general elections. On October 30, 2007, he was appointed to serve as the Government Caucus Whip in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Cornect is a bilingual native of Cape St. George and is passionate about his community, culture and heritage. For many years he has been an active force in the volunteer community, serving on a variety of associations and community organizations.

He has accumulated a vast amount of experience, having served as both Deputy Mayor and Mayor for the Town of Cape St. George and political assistant to the MHA for the District of St. George’s - Stephenville East.

Paul Lane, Member for Mount Pearl South
Mr. Lane was elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011. On October 12, 2012, he was appointed Progressive Conservative Caucus Chair.

Mr. Lane was born and raised in the City of St. John’s and has enjoyed a very successful career in the field of Occupational Health and Safety. He and his wife, Charmaine, reside in the City of Mount Pearl with their two teenage daughters. Mr. Lane is a long-time community activist and volunteer in the City of Mount Pearl who has served his community as both City Councillor and Deputy Mayor.

Vaughn Granter, Member for Humber West
Vaughn Granter was first elected in the by-election in Humber West on February 15, 2011. He was re-elected in the October 11, 2011 general election. On October 28, 2011, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and on October 24, 2012, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources (Forestry and Agrifoods).

Mr. Granter was born in Pool’s Island, Bonavista Bay, in 1965. He worked for many years in the education field as an educational leader. He is a graduate of Memorial University, holding the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, and Saint Francis Xavier University, with the degree of Master of Education.

Mr. Granter prides himself on being an effective listener and team player. His passion is working with people. As Principal of Corner Brook Regional High, he was recognized as one of the top 30 principals in Canada, a distinction that reflects his ability to bring people together and make effective decisions. He credits his success to the collaborative approach that he adopted in working not only with students but also with their families and the broader community.

Sandy Collins, Member for Terra Nova
Born in Gander and raised in Glovertown, Sandy Collins graduated from Glovertown Academy and went on to Memorial University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majoring in political science and history. Following a year of teaching in South Korea, he returned to Memorial where he earned an Education Degree, after which he returned to Korea for another year of teaching.

In January 2004, Mr. Collins began working with government as the Constituency Assistant to then MHA, Paul Oram. He assisted the families, employers and councils of the Terra Nova District with their issues and concerns. He not only deepened his appreciation of the area’s needs and opportunities, but also developed a strong working relationship with the people.

In October 2007, he accepted the role as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Business and then to the Minister of Health and Community Services. In his role as Executive Assistant, he gained an understanding of the inner workings of government at the departmental level.

Given his past experience, Mr. Collins decided that he would seek the candidacy to continue working for residents of the Terra Nova District. He was elected as MHA on November 26, 2009. He was re-elected on October 11, 2011, and on October 28, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

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