News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Changes among the senior ranks of the civil service will align government leadership with its priorities of job creation, families and righting the province's finances, Premier Brian Gallant announced today.

"We made it very clear that we are focused on creating jobs and making New Brunswick the best place to raise a family," said Gallant. "To accomplish these goals, we must also get our financial house in ‎order so we can afford investments in health, education and other priority services for families. I am confident this leadership team will help us to deliver on our goals.”

Bill Levesque, currently deputy minister of Natural Resources, will add to his responsibilities the roles of deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries‎, and president of the Regional Development Corporation. Having a singular focus across these organizations will allow for a renewed focus in growing and maintaining jobs in rural New Brunswick. Levesque has had a long career in economic development.

In providing leadership to New Brunswick's job creation agenda, Levesque will join a world-class team focused upon economic development including key leaders recruited from the private sector: Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB; Jacques Pinet, ‎CEO of the Jobs Board; Susan Holt, chief of business relationships; and David Campbell, chief economist.

Craig Dalton, currently deputy minister of Public Safety, becomes deputy minister of Social Development. He is also being given special responsibility to‎ facilitate discussion and encourage more concentrated co-operation between the hospital and long-term care systems to reduce the number of seniors waiting in hospital beds.

Dalton has experience leading community development and capacity building efforts both in and outside of Canada that will lend itself well to the implementation of a number of other initiatives designed to make life better for families and seniors.

Edith Doucet, currently clerk of the Executive Council and secretary to the cabinet, takes on the transformed role of clerk of the executive council and head of the civil service to allow clearer professional leadership in the civil service during the coming implementation of strategic program review. Judy Wagner, currently deputy clerk of the executive council, adds responsibilities as secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of the Executive Council Office.

Johanne Bray, currently deputy minister of Justice and deputy attorney general, adds responsibilities as interim deputy minister of Public Safety.

All changes are effective Sept. 4.

Gallant thanked the retiring Denis Caron, currently deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries and president of the Regional Development Corporation, for his service to New Brunswickers.

Gallant also thanked Lisa Doucette who has acted since February as deputy minister of Social Development.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a complete list of deputy ministers, deputy heads and presidents of Part I Crown corporations (* denotes a change or addition):

• Edith Doucet*, clerk of the Executive Council and head of the civil service;
• Judy Wagner*, secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of the Executive Council Office;
• Johanne Bray*, deputy attorney general, deputy minister of Justice, and deputy minister of Public Safety (acting);
• Kelly Cain, deputy minister of Human Resources and deputy minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture;
• Gordon Gilman, deputy minister of Government Services, president of Service New Brunswick and president of the New Brunswick Internal Services Agency (acting);
• Jean-Marc Dupuis, deputy minister of Finance;
• Sadie Perron, deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (acting);
• Bill Levesque*, president of the Regional Development Corporation, deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (acting), and deputy minister of Natural Resources;
• Jean Finn, deputy minister of Energy and Mines;
• Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB;
• Tom Maston, deputy minister of Health;
• L. Craig Dalton*, deputy minister of Social Development
• Tom Mann, deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour;
• Gérald Richard, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (francophone sector);
• John McLaughlin, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector);
• Kelli Simmonds, deputy minister of Environment and Local Government;
• Patrick Francis, deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs; and
• Judith Keating, chief legal advisor to the premier.