Deputy Minister of Environment Appointed

Premier Darrell Dexter today, Dec. 20 appointed Sara Jane Snook as the new deputy minister for Environment.

Ms. Snook, a member of the National Energy Board, will take on the role Jan. 17. She is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience in energy development, regulatory environments, corporate finance and commercializing science and technology.

Before joining the board in 2008, Ms. Snook was a member of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board that regulates development in the province's offshore petroleum sector.

"We are very pleased to welcome Sara Jane back to the public service," said Premier Dexter. "She is well qualified for the job, bringing to the role the background and experience needed to move the province's environmental agenda forward.

"I'd also like to offer a special note of thanks to Kim MacNeil for his work as acting deputy minister for the department over the last several months," said the premier. "His support during the transition is greatly appreciated."

Ms. Snook holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Engineering from Dalhousie University as well as a Management Development Certificate from the University of Calgary.