FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Blaine Higgs today announced important changes to the senior ranks of government.
“We have been very clear that our government is focused on strengthening our economy and improving our fiscal situation,” said Higgs. “We are a government of action and are focused on results and quality service, which is one of the reasons we have added the role of chief operating officer to the head of the public service.”
Jean-Marc Dupuis has been appointed chief operating officer, clerk of the Executive Council and head of the public service. Within his new role as chief operating officer, he will be tasked with focusing on fiscal responsibility and real results to help provide more efficient program and service delivery within the public service. Dupuis was formerly deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
“Changing how we lead will help create new opportunities in the province, improve social programs and ensure every New Brunswicker can live their dream here at home,” said Higgs. “I am confident that the experience and talent this leadership team offers will enable our government to deliver on our goals.”
Additional appointments and new assignments include:
- Hélène Bouchard will become acting president of the Regional Development Corporation in addition to her current role as acting deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs;
- Paul Greene will join the public service from the RCMP as deputy minister responsible for Communications within the Executive Council Office;
- Cheryl Hansen, will become deputy minister of Finance and Treasury Board;
- Thomas MacFarlane, currently assistant deputy minister of Social Development, will become deputy minister of Energy and Resource Development;
- Sadie Perron, currently assistant deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, will become deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour; and
- Judy Wagner, currently Clerk to Executive Council, will become deputy minister of Policy and Legislative Affairs in addition to secretary to cabinet. She has also been appointed deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
Higgs thanked the departing deputy ministers for their years of service and dedication to New Brunswickers.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a complete list of deputy ministers, deputy heads and presidents of Part 1 Crown corporations. Except where noted, the changes take effect on March 4 (* denotes a change or addition):
- Jean-Marc Dupuis*, chief operating officer, clerk of the Executive Council and head of the public service;
- Judy Wagner*, deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs, deputy minister of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Secretary to Cabinet and deputy minister responsible for the Women’s Equality Branch;
- Louis Léger, deputy minister and chief of staff of the Office of the Premier;
- Cathy LaRochelle, deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (acting);
- John McLaughlin, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector);
- Gérald Richard, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (francophone sector);
- Thomas MacFarlane*, deputy minister of Energy and Resource Development;
- Kelli Simmonds, deputy minister of Environment and Local Government;
- Cheryl Hansen*, deputy minister of Finance and Treasury Board;
- Tom Maston, deputy minister of Health;
- Hélène Bouchard*, deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (acting) and president of the Regional Development Corporation (acting);
- John Logan, deputy minister of Justice and Office of the Attorney General;
- Sadie Perron*, deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour;
- Michael Comeau, deputy minister of Public Safety;
- Eric Beaulieu, deputy minister of Social Development and president of the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation;
- Françoise Roy, deputy minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture;
- Kelly Cain, deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure;
- Alan Roy, CEO of Service New Brunswick;
- Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB/Economic Development and Small Business; and
- Paul Greene*, deputy minister responsible for communications, Executive Council Office (effective March 18).