Fowler New Deputy for Intergovernmental Affairs

Robert (Bob) Fowler has been named Nova Scotia's new deputy minister for Intergovernmental Affairs.

For the last year and a half, Mr. Fowler has worked as regional director general for Health Canada's Atlantic region, following a 27-year career in the Nova Scotia government.

"Bob Fowler's experience at both the federal and provincial levels of government will serve Nova Scotians well at Intergovernmental Affairs," said Premier John Hamm. "With more than a third of our province's budget coming from Ottawa, it's important to have a senior official with the right background to lead Intergovernmental Affairs."

A graduate of Saint Mary's University, Mr. Fowler held progressively more senior management positions in the former Department of Consumer Affairs and the Management/Treasury Board. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Fowler served as senior executive director of operations and regional support in the Department of Health, assistant deputy minister of Economic Development and assistant deputy minister of Community Services. In 2001, Premier Hamm appointed Mr. Fowler as the first chief executive officer of the province's Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, a position held until he accepted his present position with Health Canada.

"As we move into an important year for federal-provincial relations, Bob Fowler's leadership will be invaluable on issues such as health care, equalization, infrastructure and the offshore," added Premier Hamm.

The premier also confirmed the appointment of Greg Keefe as deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. A graduate of Saint Mary's University and a certified management accountant, Mr. Keefe has served as acting deputy minister since December 2002.

Paul LaFleche has been named clerk/secretary of the executive council, replacing Alison Scott, who was named deputy minister of Energy last week. A former vice president of the Nova Scotia Community College and senior manager with Nova Scotia Treasury and Policy Board, Mr. Lafleche has served as secretary of the executive council since August 2003.

Associate deputy minister of Health Cheryl Doiron has also been named acting deputy minister of the department until a permanent replacement is found for Dr. Tom Ward. An open, public competition for the position of deputy minister of Health is currently underway.

The appointments take effect May 31, with the exception of Mr. Fowler's, which is effective June 14.