Changes within the ranks of the senior management in the provincial government were announced today to build leadership capacity in the key areas of economic development, tourism, export sales, and the environment and energy for the province.

Todd Dupuis has accepted the position of executive director of the Climate Change Secretariat. In this new role he will coordinate efforts across government and with partners outside of government to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change in the province. He will start his position effective October 18.

David Keedwell has accepted the position of CEO of Innovation PEI effective October 31. His extensive private-sector experience in export sales and marketing, business development, and finance will drive government’s efforts to grow the economy, build on our export success, and create meaningful employment for Islanders.

“Government relies on a professional and dedicated public service and we welcome these individuals into their new roles,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “Their work and leadership on these two priority files – growing our economy and environmental sustainability – will engage Islanders as we build sustained prosperity for our province.”

Prince Edward Island led the country in export growth in the past two years and is on track to grow exports again this year. Since 2010, the value of international exports from the province has increased by 82%.

“With Mr Keedwell’s experience and leadership, we look forward to continuing to advance our Sales PEI efforts to get more products and services from PEI to more international markets,” said the Premier.

Cheryl Paynter, who has been carrying dual roles as CEO of Innovation PEI and Tourism PEI, will put her full attention to the tourism portfolio.

“Prince Edward Island has had three successive years of positive growth in tourism, and Cheryl’s leadership and experience in the industry will position us for strategic development in this key sector,” added the Premier.

With increasing attention on climate change, the new secretariat will provide leadership and collaboration to advance work in the province on the environment and green energy.

“Todd Dupuis is a recognized leader in the environment and climate change,” said the Premier. “His leadership across government on this issue is welcomed as we address the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change.”

Since 2015, the number of senior officials within government has been reduced from 31 to 13.

BACKGROUNDER

Climate Change Secretariat:

The newly-created Climate Change Secretariat will provide expertise in greenhouse gas mitigation, adaptation, energy, transportation, and finance. The secretariat is comprised of representatives across government departments to provide coordinated leadership on climate change initiatives and would champion the inclusion of climate change considerations in decision-making in their respective operations and across other parts of government. The secretariat will also work with other levels of government (municipal, federal), non-governmental organizations, private sector, and research communities as well as directly with Islanders to work together to meet collective climate change goals and objectives.

Biography:

Todd Dupuis is the former Executive Director of Regional Programs with the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Through his work with the Federation, he was responsible for the development of education and research programs, and their implementation throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec. He has been actively involved as a volunteer on a number of conservation organizations, and is the current co-chair of the Bonshaw Hills Public Lands Committee. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director for Environment within the Department of Communities, Land and Environment. He is the Co-chair of the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Committee on Environment and co-chair of the Working Group on Adaptation and Climate Resilience in support of the development of the pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Innovation PEI:

Innovation PEI is the lead organization for business development on Prince Edward Island. Innovation PEI provides supports and services to existing and emerging businesses in an effort to grow key sectors of the economy, expand exports, and help create employment for Islanders. It assists entrepreneurs in developing new products, identifying potential markets, and by providing training to facilitate growth. Innovation PEI also aggressively pursues and promotes new businesses that may have an interest in establishing or growing on Prince Edward Island.

Biography:

David Keedwell has extensive private sector experience as VP of Sales at Cavendish Farms and is a recognized committed, resourceful and enthusiastic leader. He is an accomplished senior executive with 25 years of experience with extensive focus in general management, export sales and marketing, business development, and finance. He holds an EMBA from the University of Western Ontario Ivey School of Business, a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Francis Xavier University, and a diploma in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. David has sat on the board of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Land Trust for a number of years. He and his wife, Alexandra, have lived in Charlottetown for over 20 years. They take an active role in the lives of their three children: managing hockey and ski teams, volunteering at swim meets and running races, and participating in Home and School initiatives.