News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswickers may now express their interest to serve on various agencies, boards and commissions.

As part of a pilot project, the Government of New Brunswick website now lists available opportunities, and provides details on where people may send their expressions of interest to serve.

"We committed to improving the way appointments are made," government house leader Mike Murphy said. "This new process will allow New Brunswickers to submit their names and be considered to serve on an agency, board or commission."

Initially, three departments are involved in the pilot project: Agriculture and Aquaculture, Business New Brunswick, and Public Safety. They were chosen because of their unique blend of appointments.

Agencies, boards and commissions provide advice to government, deliver services to New Brunswickers, and regulate key sectors of the economy. They function at arms-length from government departments, and undertake important work on behalf of the people of New Brunswick.

New Brunswickers are invited to outline their experience and qualifications, and submit an expression of interest to serve.

In considering individuals and their skills for appointments, key elements to the successful functioning of boards will be at the forefront of the decision-making process. Those elements will include gender, linguistic profile, persons with disabilities, geographical location and merit.

"One of the cornerstones of our government is our commitment to accountable and responsible government," Murphy said. "This pilot project is just another step as we strive to have the best mix of New Brunswickers involved, serving their province and contributing their skills and knowledge toward being a better, more self-sufficient place."

Murphy said that the pilot project is expected to continue until fall 2009. At that time, people can expect to see a fully developed appointments process that works for all agencies, boards and commissions, and is open, accountable and accessible to all New Brunswickers.

For more information on current opportunities to serve, visit the Government of New Brunswick website.