New Manager Named to Cabinet Office
Longtime Big Bras d'Or businessperson, school board member and community volunteer Keith Bain is the new manager of the Cape Breton cabinet office.
Energy Minister Cecil Clarke, on behalf of Premier John Hamm, made the announcement today, April 30.
"As part of the Nova Scotia government's ongoing commitment to provide Cape Breton with a strong voice, I am delighted to announce the appointment of someone as experienced and capable as Keith Bain," said Mr. Clarke. "His broad background in business, in education and in volunteer work will strengthen the role of the cabinet office."
Currently employed as a small business manager in Big Bras d'Or, Mr. Bain studied business administration at the former Sydney campus of St. Francis Xavier University. Since 1991, he has served as an elected member of the Northside-Victoria and Cape Breton-Victoria regional school boards, working the last five years as board vice-chair.
Mr. Bain is also an active community volunteer, serving as chief of the Big Bras d'Or Volunteer Fire Department since 1985. His other present and past community activities include the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Victoria County Fire Chiefs' Association, the Bouladerie Food Bank, the Bras d'Or/Florence and Area Kinsmen Club and the local board of managers for the United Church of Canada.
"Keith Bain has a tremendous understanding of what it takes to work with our local communities to create more success stories on Cape Breton Island," said Mr. Clarke.
Located in the Provincial Building on Prince Street in Sydney, the Cape Breton cabinet office was established by Premier John Hamm in 1999 to provide the region with guaranteed access to provincial decision-makers. The Nova Scotia government reviewed the effectiveness of the office in 2002 and chose to keep it open at the request of local business and community leaders. Nova Scotia's growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Cape Breton economy.
Mr. Bain's appointment is effective Monday, May 3. The manager's position was advertised in the local media in January and two rounds of interviews were held with applicants by the Executive Council office.