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

“We must have a high-performing public service if we want to achieve our goals as a government,” said Higgs. “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.”

Effective Feb. 14, Cheryl Hansen becomes clerk of the Executive Council, chief operating officer and head of the public service, in place of Jean-Marc Dupuis. Hansen will continue to serve as deputy minister of Finance and Treasury Board, as well as secretary to Treasury Board.

Patricia Brown-MacKenzie becomes acting secretary to cabinet, in place of Jean-Marc Dupuis, as well as acting deputy minister of Policy and Legislative Affairs. She will continue to serve as deputy clerk of the Executive Council, and secretary to the Policy and Priorities Board.

Kelly Cain becomes deputy minister responsible for Human Resources within the Department of Finance and Treasury Board. She will continue to serve as deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and deputy minister responsible for the Women’s Equality Branch.

Effective March 1, Sadie Perron becomes interim chief executive officer responsible for Opportunities NB, in place of Stephen Lund. Perron will serve as deputy minister of Economic Development and Small Business.

Daniel Mills becomes acting deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, in place of Sadie Perron. Mills is currently the assistant deputy minister of Adult Learning and Employment Division within the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

Jean-Marc Dupuis will be retiring after 30 years in the provincial civil service, effective Feb. 21, and Stephen Lund is closing out a five-year mandate with Opportunities NB on Feb. 16.

“We thank both these gentlemen for their years of service and dedication to New Brunswickers and wish them continued success in the future,” said Higgs.

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

  • Cheryl Hansen*, chief operating officer, clerk of the Executive Council, head of the public service, deputy minister of Finance and Treasury Board, and secretary of Treasury Board;
  • Patricia Brown-MacKenzie*, secretary to Cabinet (acting), deputy minister of Policy and Legislative Affairs (acting), deputy clerk of the Executive Council, and secretary to Policy and Priorities Board;
  • 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;
  • Gérald Richard, deputy minister of Health;
  • Kelly Cain*, deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, deputy minister responsible for the Women’s Equality Branch, and deputy minister responsible for Human Resources;
  • John B. D. Logan, deputy minister of Justice and Office of the Attorney General;
  • Sadie Perron*, deputy minister of Economic Development and Small Business, and CEO of Opportunities NB (interim);
  • Daniel Mills*, deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (acting);
  • Michael Comeau, deputy minister of Public Safety;
  • Eric Beaulieu, deputy minister of Social Development;
  • Yennah Hurley, 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; and
  • Paul Greene, deputy minister responsible for communications, Executive Council Office.