Executive Council
September 30, 2014

Premier Paul Davis Unveils New Cabinet, Innovative Approach

Heralding significant positive change, the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, introduced his first Cabinet at Government House today.

In addition to the new Cabinet, he also unveiled significant changes to several government departments and other innovative initiatives.

“This restructuring acknowledges natural synergies in key social and economic activities. This is part of our plan to build the future of Newfoundland and Labrador on the rock-solid foundation this government has put in place.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The changes include:

Creation of Department of Public Safety

Public safety will be a major focus of Premier Davis’ administration.

The new department will spearhead initiatives to address crime and safety in our communities, including the creation of a Premier’s Advisory Council on Crime. The new department augments the former Justice department with the addition of the Fire and Emergency Services agency.

Newcomer Judy Manning, a lawyer with extensive provincial, national and international experience, joins government to take on this important new ministerial role and serve as attorney general.

Premier Davis used the opportunity to thank former attorney general Felix Collins for his contributions to government.

“Mr. Collins stepped up and served government when we needed a keen legal mind to serve as attorney general. Similarly, I welcomed his wise suggestion that I use this time of change to renew our cabinet.”
- Premier Davis

Creation of the new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

The best education systems integrate early learning activities with the formal education system.

The new department will be responsible for the continuum of learning from infancy through high school. It brings together the teams that will spearhead initiatives in early childhood education, the introduction of full-day kindergarten and other advances throughout the primary, elementary and secondary systems.

It augments the current Education department with educational components previously housed in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. In addition to bringing together units with similar educational responsibilities, it enables CYFS to enhance its focus on the important child protection mandate.

Creation of new Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The most progressive societies are healthy ones that honour, listen to, lean on and include their elders in building stronger, more dynamic communities.

The new department combines functions from a number of government departments into new branches focused on seniors, aging and social development as well as health promotion, wellness and sport.

On seniors’ issues specifically, the mandate will also cross departments and government agencies - from health care to housing.

Creation of new Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

An integrated approach will be the focus of the new department, taking advantage of natural synergies. The new department will lead the effort to partner with those who have expertise in the arts, culture, tourism and rural innovation.

Effective business development serves to diversify the economy in general and rural economies in particular.

Rural economic diversification has partly been fueled by tourism development, which has been one of the province’s major success stories over the past decade, creating hundreds of business opportunities and thousands of jobs.

The preservation, celebration and presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique cultures are valued and valuable in their own right and must be supported. Concurrently, they remain a central focus of the province’s overall tourism development strategy.

Creation of new Associate Deputy Minister (Transportation)

Roads and transportation infrastructure continue to be a priority for the people of the province.

The creation of this new senior role in the Department of Transportation and Works will ensure these issues remain a priority focus.

Premier Davis indicated to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that these initial changes reflect the extensive consultation he has undertaken over the past few months as he travelled across the province.

“In the year ahead, we plan further adjustments as part of our bold new plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. And as we progress, I will continue to consult extensively with the people of the province to ensure we are meeting their expectations. Cabinet and Caucus will be doing likewise. After all, we are here to serve you”
- Premier Davis

The Davis Cabinet and portfolios include:

  • David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
  • Sandy Collins, Minister of Child Youth and Family Services
  • Tony Cornect, Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency
  • Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
  • Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
  • Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Registrar General
  • Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for Status of Persons with Disabilities
  • Steve Kent, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
  • Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Research and Development Corporation
  • Judy Manning, Minister of Public Safety, Attorney General, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services
  • Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills
  • Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
  • Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Ross Wiseman, 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

Quick Facts

  • On September 30, 2014, Premier Davis introduced his first Cabinet.
  • In addition to the new cabinet, Premier Davis also unveiled significant changes to several government departments and other innovative initiatives.
  • Highlights of changes include:
    • The creation of the new Department of Public Safety
    • Creation of the new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
    • Creation of the new Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
    • Creation of the new Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
    • Creation of a new associate Deputy Minister (Transportation)

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Media contact:
Donna Ivey
709-729-3551
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Biographies

Hon. David Brazil, Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island
A graduate of Memorial University, CONA and York University, Mr. Brazil has been an independent business owner, has worked in the non-profit sector and has been a senior manager with the Provincial Government for the past 26 years. He has worked for the departments of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Health and Community Services, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Education and Municipal Affairs.

Mr. Brazil has extensive experience and knowledge particularly in dealing with issues related to employment, education, healthy lifestyles, tourism, youth and infrastructure. Very active in his community, Mr. Brazil has held many roles in various organizations, including as the Chair Conception Bay East-Bell Island PC District Association, Director of the Conception Bay East-Bell Island PC District Association, National Vice-Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, National Board member of the Movement for Canadian Literacy, Provincial President of Boys and Girls Club of Newfoundland and Labrador, Executive member of both the St. John’s Jr. and Avalon East Sr. Hockey Leagues, Vice-Chair of the Avalon East Economic Development Board, and a Committee Member of Recreation NL. Mr. Brazil was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

In July, 2014, Minister Brazil was appointed 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.

Hon. Sandy Collins, Member for Terra Nova
Born in Gander and raised in Glovertown, Mr. 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 and after which completed his teaching internship at Holy Cross School in Eastport. He would then return 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 residents.

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.

Mr. Collins was elected as MHA on November 26, 2009. He was re-elected on October 11, 2011 and appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services on October 28, 2011. In May 2014, Mr. Collins was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

In July 2014, Minister Collins was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, retaining responsibility for the Office of Public Engagement.

Hon. 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.

In October 2012, Mr. Cornect was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and in October 2013, was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

In July 2014, Minister Cornect was appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Hon. 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. On October 9, 2013, he was appointed 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 May 2014, Mr. Crummell was appointed Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

In July 2014, Minister Crummell was appointed Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General.

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.

In October 2013, Minister Dalley was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency.

Hon. Vaughn Granter, Member for Humber West
Vaughn Granter was born in Pool’s Island, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, in 1965. He worked in the education field as an educational leader beginning in 1987, and he is a graduate of Memorial University (Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education) and Saint Francis Xavier University (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 has been 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 adopts in working not only with students but also with their families and the broader community. In his role as MHA, he works with the community in advancing key issues in priority areas that include housing, health care, and education.

He 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 Assistant to the Premier. On October 24, 2012, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources (Forestry and Agrifoods). In May 2014, Mr. Granter was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

In July 2014, Minister Granter was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation, Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

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.

In October 2013, Minister Hutchings was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Hon. Clyde Jackman, Member for Burin-Placentia West
Clyde Jackman was born in Grole, Hermitage Bay, and is the eldest of 10 children. His family resettled to Marystown in 1968. For the past 25 years, Mr. Jackman has resided in Baine Harbour where he and his wife raised their five children. He completed his high school years at Pearce Regional High School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Education degree from Memorial University. In 1993, he received a Masters of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mr. Jackman 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 has held several positions within his local church community and, for a period of time, he and his family provided foster care support. Mr. Jackman is an avid outdoors person. He particularly enjoys kayaking and canoeing. He has fished alongside trawlermen and inshore fishermen and he has a deep interest in the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. 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 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, Mr. Jackman was appointed Acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. On November 27, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Clyde Jackman was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011. He was sworn in as Education Minister on November 16, 2011. In May 2014, Mr. Jackman was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

In July 2014, Minister Jackman was appointed Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister responsible for Aging and Seniors.

Hon. 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. On October 9, 2013, Mr. Kent was appointed as Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General.

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.

In January, 2014, Minister Kent was appointed Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, which he held in an acting capacity since November 2013.

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. He has served on the House of Assembly Social Services and Public Accounts Committees. He was re-elected to the House of Assembly on October 11, 2011.

Dr. King was appointed to Executive Council and 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 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.

On October 19, 2012, Minister King was appointed Minister of Justice, Government House Leader and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

In May 2014, Minister King was appointed Minister of Education. In September 2014, Minister King was appointed acting Minister of Justice while retaining his role of Minister of Education.

Hon. Judy Manning
Ms. Manning, a former resident of St. Bride’s, NL, now resides in St. John’s, NL. She obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2001 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in 2004. Ms. Manning was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 2005 and to the Ontario Bar in 2008. Ms. Manning left private practice in Toronto in 2011 to pursue graduate studies in Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law at the University of Calgary.

Having returned to legal practice in her home province in 2013, Ms. Manning now enjoys working as a sole practitioner in St. John’s.

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.

In October 2013, Minister O’Brien was appointed 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.

Hon. Keith Russell, Member for Lake Melville
Keith Russell was elected to represent the people of the District of Lake Melville in the October 11, 2011, general election.

Mr. Russell is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Labrador Friendship Centre, a community volunteer and a Lake Melville Minor Hockey Coach.

He graduated from Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and went on to receive a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1998 from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Born in Happy Valley, Labrador in 1975, Mr. Russell is the middle of three sons to Kay and Frank Russell. He is married to Brenda and has two wonderful children, Alicia and Keith. In July 2014, Minister Russell was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the 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.

Hon. Susan Sullivan, Member for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans
Susan Sullivan was born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor and is fiercely proud of her hometown and its rich legacy of social, cultural, and economic leadership.

Minister 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, Minister 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.

Minister Sullivan entered provincial politics when she was elected to the House of Assembly in the deferred general election in the District of Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans on November 6, 2007, and in October 2008 was appointed 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. Minister Sullivan has also served as Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat; Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; and Minister of Health and Community Services.

In September 2014, Minister Sullivan assumed the duties of the Status of Women.

Hon. Ross Wiseman, Member for Trinity North
Ross Wiseman, MHA for Trinity North, was first elected in a by-election on April 25, 2000. Prior to entering political life, he had a successful 15-year career in health administration with the Peninsulas Health Care Corporation and the former Clarenville Area Hospital Board. He also has extensive experience in the financial services industry, having held several branch and regional management positions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

While a Member in the House of Assembly, Mr. Wiseman has served as the deputy chair of Public Accounts Committee and chaired the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors.

On September 26, 2001, he was appointed the Opposition Critic for Health and Community Services. Following his victory in the General Election in the District of Trinity North on October 21, 2003, Mr. Wiseman was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services. On January 19, 2007, he was appointed Minister of Health and Community Services.

On October 9, 2007, he was re-elected to the House of Assembly and subsequently appointed Minister of Health and Community Services on October 30. He was appointed Minister of Business on July 9, 2009. On January 13, 2011, he was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation.

On October 11, 2011, Mr. Wiseman was once again re-elected as the Member for Trinity North, and on October 27, 2011, he was elected as Speaker of the House of Assembly. In September 2014, Minister Wiseman was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

2014 09 30                                     10:35 a.m.