News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Blaine Higgs today announced changes to the senior ranks of the provincial public service.

“Our government recently laid out a roadmap for the future of New Brunswick that focuses on key priorities and the importance of public accountability,” said Higgs. “To achieve our goals as a government, we must have a high-performing public service. An important element of this is creating a strong team of senior public servants to lead the organization and support ministers so they can continue to focus on New Brunswick’s priorities and drive results.”

Effective Nov. 12, Jean-Marc Dupuis becomes the secretary to cabinet. This appointment is in addition to his current responsibilities as chief operating officer, clerk of the Executive Council and head of the public service.

Gérald Richard, currently deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Education (francophone sector), becomes the deputy minister of Health. He replaces Tom Maston who recently retired.

Marcel Lavoie becomes the deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (francophone sector). Lavoie is currently the assistant deputy minister for francophone educational services with the department.

George Daley becomes the deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector). Daley was recently president of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association and co-president of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation, and is currently a teacher and vice-principal in Bathurst.

Kelly Cain, currently deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, becomes the deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and deputy minister responsible for the Women’s Equality Branch.

John P. Logan becomes the acting deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. He is currently a senior advisor with the department.

Cade Libby becomes the acting deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs and acting president of the Regional Development Corporation. He is currently the vice-president of the Regional Development Corporation. Hélène Bouchard, currently acting deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and acting president of the Regional Development Corporation, will be moving to another key senior role within the civil service.

Cathy LaRochelle, currently the acting deputy minister, becomes the deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.

Judy Wagner, formerly the secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs, is now the principal secretary and chief of staff at the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.

In addition to Tom Maston retiring following 28 years in the civil service, John McLaughlin, currently deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector), will be retiring after 30 years in the civil service, effective Dec. 31. McLaughlin will remain as special advisor to the department until Dec. 31.

“We thank both these gentlemen for their years of service and dedication to New Brunswickers and hope they enjoy their well-earned retirement,” said Higgs.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a complete list of deputy ministers, deputy heads and presidents of Part 1 Crown corporations. The changes take effect on Nov. 12 (* denotes a change or addition):

• Jean-Marc Dupuis*, chief operating officer, clerk of the Executive Council, secretary to cabinet and head of the public service;

• Louis Léger, deputy minister and chief of staff of the Office of the Premier;

• Cade Libby*, deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs (acting) and president of the Regional Development Corporation (acting);

• Cathy LaRochelle*, deputy minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries;

• George Daley*, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector);

• Marcel Lavoie*, deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (francophone sector);

• Thomas MacFarlane, deputy minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development;

• Kelli Simmonds, deputy minister of Environment and Local Government;

• Cheryl Hansen, deputy minister of Finance and Treasury Board and secretary of Treasury Board;

• Gérald Richard*, deputy minister of Health;

• Kelly Cain*, deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and deputy minister responsible for the Women’s Equality Branch;

• John B. D. 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;

• Alain Basque, deputy minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (acting);

• John P. Logan*, deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (acting);

• 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.