Deputy Minister of Environment Announces Retirement

Nancy Vanstone, deputy minister Environment has announced that she plans to retire in August.

Premier Darrell Dexter thanked Ms. Vanstone and offered best wishes on her upcoming retirement.

"I want to offer my sincere thanks to Nancy for all the work she has done and wish her congratulations on her retirement," said Premier Dexter. "As deputy minister of Nova Scotia Environment, Nancy worked tirelessly to move forward and implement some of the most aggressive and ambitious environmental legislation in the country."

Ms. Vanstone has worked for the province for 33 years and has served as assistant deputy minister of Environment and Labour and executive director at Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

Kim MacNeil, executive director of environmental science and program management, has been appointed acting deputy minister. Ms. Vanstone starts vacation Saturday, June 12. Mr. MacNeil will assume the role of Acting Deputy Minister.

"I wish Mr. MacNeil much success in his new role," said Premier Dexter. "Kim has been at the Department of Environment for many years, serving in a variety of roles and will bring a wealth of knowledge with him as acting deputy minister."

Recruitment for a permanent deputy minister will begin shortly.