Senior Staff Appointments

Premier John Hamm announced a number of appointments to the senior public service and his office today, Aug. 19.

Paul LaFleche has been named secretary to the Executive Council. Employed in senior positions with the Nova Scotia Community College since 1994, most recently as vice president, academic, Mr. LaFleche was seconded last year to Nova Scotia Treasury and Policy Board as co-ordinator, corporate projects. Mr. LaFleche is currently the province's representative on the Atlantic Insurance Harmonization Task Force. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Carleton University and a PhD in applied geophysics from McGill University.

"Paul LaFleche brings a fresh approach to addressing issues and making improvements to public policy and management," said Premier Hamm. "I am delighted he has accepted the new responsibilities as secretary to cabinet."

Mr. LaFleche replaces Vicki Harnish, who was named deputy minister of Treasury and Policy Board, in addition to her current duties as public service commissioner. Ms. Harnish is a longtime public servant who has worked as executive officer of Treasury and Policy Board and executive director of planning at the Department of Natural Resources. She holds a master's degree in public administration from Dalhousie University.

Premier Hamm also announced a number of senior staff appointments to his office.

David MacGregor will continue to serve as principal assistant, a position he has held with Premier Hamm for more than five years. Mr. MacGregor's previous experience includes public affairs management in the private sector and working for the federal ministers of Finance, International Trade, Industry, Science and Technology, Fisheries and Oceans and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The premier's communications director will continue to be Peter Spurway. Named to the position last year, Mr. Spurway is responsible for leading the strategic communications initiatives of the premier and cabinet, in concert with Communications Nova Scotia. Mr. Spurway is a former teacher and broadcaster who has worked as a communications professional in both the public and private sectors for the last 20 years.

Robert Batherson has been named deputy communications director. A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University's public relations program, Mr. Batherson has worked for Premier Hamm since 1999, first as press secretary, then as communications manager. In his new position, Mr. Batherson will continue to manage the premier's daily communications activities and act as the lead media contact. Prior to joining the premier's office, Mr. Batherson worked in Ottawa for two members of parliament and in Halifax for the leader of the opposition and caucus office.

Earlier this month, the premier announced the re-appointments of Jamie Baillie as his chief of staff and Gordon Gillis as his deputy minister and deputy minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

"We are putting together a team at the senior staff level that will support our government's blueprint, particularly our mandate of co-operation for a better Nova Scotia," said the premier.