The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced his Cabinet, with the Premier and all Ministers being sworn in at Government House.

The following is a list of Cabinet Ministers by department:

• Premier, President of Executive Council, Minister for Intergovernmental and Indigenous Affairs, and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs – The Honourable Dwight William Ball
• Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation – The Honourable Tom Osborne
• Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs – The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
• Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General, and Government House Leader – The Honourable Andrew Parsons
• Minister of Transportation and Works – The Honourable Steve Crocker
• Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources – The Honourable Gerry Byrne
• Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Government House Leader – The Honourable Siobhan Coady
• Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Responsible for the Public Procurement Agency, and Minister Responsible for Workplace NL – The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
• Minister of Health and Community Services – The Honourable John Haggie
• Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, Registrar General, and Minister responsible for the Multi Materials Stewardship Board – The Honourable Lisa Dempster
• Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour – The Honourable Bernard Davis
• Minister Responsible for the Status of Women – The Honourable Carol Anne Haley
• Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development – The Honourable Brian Warr

Biographies are included in the Backgrounder that follows.

Quote
“I humbly thank Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for providing our Cabinet and caucus with a new mandate, and a new opportunity to work closely with fellow MHAs with the goal of making our province an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Together, we will engage business, community, cultural, and Indigenous leaders; and we will build on the strong foundation built to date – a foundation that includes economic development, job creation, improved food self-sufficiency, better health and education outcomes, and the only stand alone Status of Women Minister portfolio in any province in Canada.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Jason Card
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Hon. Dwight Ball, Premier, Member for Humber – Gros Morne
Dwight Ball has over 30 years’ experience as a healthcare professional and a community leader. He began his career in provincial politics in 2007, and was re-elected in 2011, for the District of Humber Valley. Mr. Ball served as Leader of the Official Opposition before winning government on November 30, 2015. On that date, Dwight Ball was elected Member of the House of Assembly for his redrawn home district of Humber-Gros Morne. On December 14, 2015, Dwight Ball was sworn in as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, President of Executive Council, Minister for Intergovernmental and Indigenous Affairs, and Minister of Labrador Affairs. He continues to serve in those roles.

Born in Deer Lake, Mr. Ball trained as a pharmacist in St. John’s, and then returned to begin practice in his hometown. He opened Deer Lake Pharmacy and later expanded his operations to include a community pharmacy in Springdale. His business career has widened to other areas of health care and beyond to real estate and venture capital.

He served as president of the Canadian Pharmacists Association in 2009. He is a past president of the Deer Lake Chamber of Commerce and a former director of the Deer Lake Airport Authority. Mr. Ball has also been heavily involved in charitable activities in the region. For his involvement in the community, he has been recognized with a number of awards.

Hon. Tom Osborne, Member for Waterford Valley
A native of St. John’s, Tom Osborne attended Cabot College and Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was involved with the business community for several years. Prior to entering politics he worked for Statistics Canada, Small Business Enterprise, and with the Penney Group of Companies.

He has represented his district of Waterford Valley (formerly St. John’s South) since 1996. Mr. Osborne served as Deputy Speaker and has held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Environment, Minister of Labour, Minister of Health, and Minister of Justice.

Mr. Osborne was appointed as Speaker of the House in December, 2015, and was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation in July of 2017. He continues to serve in those roles.

Hon. Christopher Mitchelmore, Member for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows
Christopher Mitchelmore was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2011 and was re-elected in November 2015. He is from Green Island Cove, a small fishing village on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Mr. Mitchelmore has a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Co-op) degree from Memorial University, with international study experience in the United Kingdom and at the University of Economics in the Czech Republic. He worked with the Department of Innovation, Business, and Rural Development; the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities (PUB); and London Offshore Consultants.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Mitchelmore worked as a client services officer and a youth ventures coordinator with the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Nortip. He has an extensive track record of community involvement, including time as vice president of the Straits – St. Barbe Chronic Care Corporation and director and member of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network. He was appointed Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development on December 14, 2015 and continues to serve in that role.

Hon. Andrew Parsons, Member for Burgeo – La Poile
Andrew Parsons has represented the district of Burgeo – La Poile since 2011. A lifelong resident of Channel-Port aux Basques, he trained as a lawyer and was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador bar in 2005. Mr. Parsons practiced law in the region before entering provincial politics. He previously served as the Opposition House Leader and the opposition critic for Justice, Health and Community Services, and other key portfolios.

Mr. Parsons has served on the executive of Port aux Basques Minor Hockey, including four years as president. He served as a committee member for Port aux Basques Come Home Year 2005, a member of the Southwest Coast Marine and Mountain Zone Committee, and as a board member on the Dr. Charles L. Legrow Health Care Foundation. He has also served as president of the Port aux Basques Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized and awarded numerous times for his public service and volunteerism. He was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General, and Government House Leader in December of 2015 and continues to serve in those roles.

Hon. Steve Crocker, Member for Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde
Steve Crocker was elected to the House of Assembly in November 2014 in Trinity – Bay de Verde. Since his swearing in, Mr. Crocker has served as the opposition critic for Innovation, Business and Rural Development, including the Research & Development Corporation. Mr. Crocker has been a tireless advocate for the people of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde, working hard to bring attention to critical infrastructure needs for the district.

He worked as an entrepreneur at his family’s business in the district of Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde and resides in Heart’s Delight-Islington.

Prior to his election, he served as executive assistant to Dwight Ball, the leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Steve Crocker was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (now Fisheries and Land Resources) on December 14, 2015. He was appointed Minister of Transportation and Works in July of 2017 and continues to serve in that role.

Hon. Gerry Byrne, Member for Corner Brook
Gerry Byrne has had a long and successful career in federal politics, having served as the Member of Parliament for Humber -St. Barbe-Baie Verte beginning in 1996. Mr. Byrne was re-elected six times to the Parliament of Canada.

From 2002 until 2004, Mr. Byrne served as the Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the youngest cabinet member in Newfoundland and Labrador history. He was parliamentary secretary to several key cabinet members. He has also served in a lead role on a number of influential government standing committees.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Byrne worked as an economic development officer on the Great Northern Peninsula, during which time he was involved in numerous projects from varying segments of the provincial economy, including the renewable and non-renewable resource sectors. He was born and raised in Corner Brook. Mr. Byrne completed his post-secondary education at Dalhousie University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Skills (now Advanced Education, Skills and Labour) on December 14, 2015, and Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources on July 31, 2017. He continues to serve in that role.

Hon. Siobhan Coady, Member for St. John’s West
Siobhan Coady has chaired the regional economic development board, the NL Business Hall of Fame, and has been the Campaign Chair for Red Cross. She has contributed to the Board of Directors of the St. John’s Airport Authority, the Genesis Centre, the Atlantic Innovation Council, the Institute of Corporate Directors, Genome Canada, Compute Canada and Children’s Wish to name a few.

She is an award winning entrepreneur and recognized as one of the top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada. She has owned and operated companies as diverse as Newfound Genomics Inc. and Bonaventure Fisheries Inc. She is Past Chair and Governor of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the St. John’s Board of Trade.

Educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Oxford University and the University of Toronto, she is an accredited Director of the Institute of Corporate Directors and an Accredited Public Relations Professional.

On November 30, 2015, Ms. Coady was elected to represent the District of St. John’s West in the House of Assembly. She is currently Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Government House Leader, and previously served as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Prior to joining provincial politics, from 2008 to 2011, she was the Liberal Member of Parliament for the Riding of St. John’s South–Mount Pearl and Critic for Treasury Board.

Ms. Coady and her husband Pat live in St. John’s where they enjoy the outdoors and their Labrador Retrievers.

Hon. Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Member for Placentia – St. Mary’s
Ms. Gambin-Walsh graduated from the General Hospital School of Nursing in 1990 and received a leadership certificate from Memorial University. Ms. Gambin-Walsh was born and raised in Placentia and resides in North Harbour, St. Mary’s Bay.

Ms. Gambin-Walsh worked as a neonatal nurse at the Dr. Charles A. Janeway and as the community inclusion coordinator and the provincial executive director for the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living. She served on the board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Irish Connections and Festival of the Sea. Ms. Gambin-Walsh was also a member of the Provincial Advisory Council to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Ms. Gambin-Walsh was a member of the Autism Society and the chair of the Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Board as well as being a member of the St. Mary’s Bay Rural Development Association and other community boards.

The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh was appointed Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services (now Children, Seniors and Social Development) on December 14, 2015 and the Minister of Service NL on July 31, 2017. She continues to serve in that portfolio.

Hon. John Haggie, Member for Gander
Born in England, the Honourable John Haggie completed his medical studies at Victoria University in Manchester. He held several positions as physician, surgeon, tutor and registrar in the North West region of England and after a two-year fellowship, he received a doctorate in cancer research.

Since moving to Canada in the early nineties, Minister Haggie has had a long and distinguished career in medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador. He practiced initially as a general surgeon in St. Anthony with the Grenfell Region Health Services. In 1997, he was appointed attending surgeon of general and vascular surgery at James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander. In 2008, he was appointed Chief of Staff at James Paton Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Haggie served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association.

In Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2015 general election, he was elected MHA for the District of Gander and appointed to Cabinet to serve as the Minister of Health and Community Services, and continues to serve in that portfolio.

Dr. Haggie resides in Gander with his wife Jeanette and two Westies, Chloe and Gracie.

Hon. Lisa Dempster, Member for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair
Ms. Dempster was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2013 in her home district of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair. Ms. Dempster was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly in December 2015. In July 2017, Ms. Dempster was appointed Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and continues to serve in those portfolios, along with additional responsibilities.

Born and raised in Charlottetown, Labrador, Ms. Dempster attended Memorial University, and worked in the tourism and hospitality industry. She worked for 23 years as a career and employment counsellor, including 10 years with the NunatuKavut Community Council, of which Ms. Dempster is a member.

Ms. Dempster also served as Deputy Mayor of Charlottetown as well as the Labrador Director on Municipalities NL’s Board of Directors. Before entering public office, she served as a trustee with the Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority Board, a member of the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine’s Admissions Committee, Chair of the Charlottetown Literacy Committee and Co-Chair of the Region’s Literacy Committee.

She represents the province on the National Steering Committee of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, sharing her perspective on the opportunities and challenges for women interested in pursuing public office.

Ms. Dempster is married with two children: Nicholas (now deceased) and Natalie. She makes her home in Charlottetown, Labrador with her husband, Gaius, and daughter, Natalie.

Hon. Bernard Davis, Member for Virginia Waters – Pleasantville
Bernard Davis is a lifelong resident of St. John’s, a dedicated community volunteer, and someone who is committed to enhancing and promoting community development issues across the province. A graduate of Memorial University (Bachelor of Commerce), Mr. Davis served as the Executive Director and Program Coordinator of the Church Lad’s Brigade (C.L.B.) and as an elected Councilor at St. John’s City Hall before entering provincial politics. In 2015 Mr. Davis was elected to represent the District of Virginia Waters – Pleasantville, and has served as Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister of Service NL.

He was appointed Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour in November of 2018 and continues to serve in that role.

Hon. Carol Anne Haley, Member for Burin – Grand Bank
Carol Anne Haley was born and raised in Point May and has been heavily involved in the regional community for many years. She served as a special assistant to Liberal MP Judy Foote. Prior to that, she worked in the field of economic development as a community service officer and coordinator with the Greater Lamaline Area Development Association. She served as a member of the advisory board for the Grand Bank Seamen’s Museum. Ms. Haley also served on the Schooner Regional Development Corporation’s board.

She was appointed Minister Responsible for the Status of Women in November of 2018 and continues to serve in that role.

Hon. Brian Warr, Member for Baie Verte – Green Bay
Brian Warr is an accomplished business and community leader and long-time resident of Springdale. He attended Memorial University and Holland College, attaining a diploma in police sciences. He served with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary until 1987, when he returned to Springdale to manage the family hardware business. Mr. Warr has served as Deputy Mayor of Springdale, Chairman of the Canadian Retail Hardware Association and President of the Springdale and Area Chamber of Commerce, among other leadership roles. Mr. Warr was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2017 and held that role until assuming his new role as Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.