This morning, the Ball government “took steps to streamline the work of departments and agencies.” This entailed 4 department mergers,  to reduce the number of deputy minister positions by 5. The following four departments are newly coined as a result of today’s changes: 

Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development

This new department combines the responsibilities of the former departments of Child, Youth and Family Services, and Seniors, Wellness and Social Development.

Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

This new department brings the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency under the umbrella of the former Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

The functions of the Labour Relations Agency will now fall to the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.

Department of Environment and Climate Change

This new department combines the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency with the former Department of Environment and Conservation.

“Since we took office,” Premier Ball told media, “we have been closely reviewing the structure of government and identifying opportunities to streamline. By implementing this new structure we are continuing to adapt to our fiscal climate, with a goal of setting this province on a stronger economic footing.”

In addition to the actions above, the Office of Public Engagement will become part of Executive Council under Communications Branch, while the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office will move to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador will become part of the Department of Municipal Affairs.

Name Position Department
Genevieve Dooling Deputy Minister Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Ted Lomond Deputy Minister Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Bruce Cooper Deputy Minister Children, Seniors and Social Development
Janet Vivian-Walsh Deputy Minister Education and Early Childhood Development
Colleen Janes Deputy Minister Environment and Climate Change
Julia Mullaley Clerk Executive Council
Vacant Deputy Clerk Executive Council
Carla Foote Associate Secretary to
Cabinet, Communications		 Executive Council
Donna Brewer Deputy Minister Finance
Geoff Williams Deputy Minister Human Resource Secretariat
Dave Lewis Deputy Minister Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
John Abbott Deputy Minister Health and Community Services
Heather Jacobs Deputy Minister Justice and Public Safety
Aubrey Gover Deputy Minister Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Patricia Hearn Deputy Minister Intergovernmental Affairs
Jamie Chippett Deputy Minister Municipal Affairs
Charles Bown Deputy Minister Natural Resources
Ellen MacDonald Deputy Minister Office of the Chief Information Officer
Sean Dutton Deputy Minister Service NL
Lori Anne Companion Deputy Minister Transportation and Works
Donna Ballard Deputy Minister Women’s Policy Office