Restructuring of staff will streamline and strengthen the Premier’s Office team.

Two senior positions will be combined through the establishment of a Deputy Minister of Policy and Priorities that will take the place of Principal Secretary and also serve as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

The position will also include the responsibilities as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, and Acadian and Francophone Affairs.

Former chief of staff Allan Campbell is on temporary assignment in an Executive Council role to assist government through this transitional phase until the new deputy minister position is staffed in the near future.

Deputy Minister of Community Services and Seniors Carol Anne Duffy has confirmed that she will be retiring in early June. Her position will be filled by Teresa Hennebery, who currently serves as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affair.

Ian (Tex) MacDonald will be leaving the public service after serving as an assistant to former Premier Ghiz.

These changes are in addition to the departures of Geoff Townsend, who served in the role of principal secretary and who now holds a senior position with the Nova Scotia government; and Guy Gallant, former communications director who now holds a senior position with the New Brunswick government. These positions have not been filled.

New to the Premier’s Office staff are Harris Ford, who will serve as special assistant to the Premier, and Mary Moszynski who will serve as communications officer to the Premier.