News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The following statement on the death of Jim McKay, deputy minister of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture, was issued today by Premier David Alward:

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long-time public servant Jim McKay today.

Since September 2008, he was the deputy minister of both the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture.

Prior to taking on those roles, Mr. McKay had held many important positions within New Brunswick's public service.  

At the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, he had initially served as the assistant deputy minister for federal/provincial/territorial relations and been responsible for Atlantic Canada/New England regional co-operation. He was later appointed deputy minister of the same department.

Before that, Mr. McKay had been the director of investment and immigration with Business New Brunswick. He had also held a variety of positions at the departments of Economic Development and Tourism; Commerce and Technology; and Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

Mr. McKay's lengthy record of public service speaks volumes about his dedication, capability and professionalism. In the many key positions he occupied, he demonstrated his strong commitment to serving the people of New Brunswick. And he proved himself to be an outstanding public servant.

On behalf of all members of our government and our fellow New Brunswickers, I want to express our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jim McKay.