OTTAWA — The Honourable R. John Efford, Regional
Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable John McCallum,
Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural
Resources for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of
Mr. Harry Steele as the chair of a panel that will select the Chair and CEO
of the Canada–Newfoundland
and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB).
The announcement follows the July 25, 2005, request by the Government of Canada
for the establishment of a panel to select the new Chair and CEO of the CNLOPB.
"I am pleased with the appointment of Harry Steele as the selection panel
chair," said Minister Efford. "With his many years of involvement
in the issues that are particular to Newfoundland and Labrador and the entire
Atlantic region, I am confident the panel will find the right person for the
job."
"The appointment of Mr. Steele to the selection panel is another step
forward in confirming the CNLOPB Chair
and CEO which is a critical position in the development of the province's offshore
resources," said Minister Byrne. "I believe Mr. Steele's position
on the selection panel will result in the appointment of an individual who
will act in the best interest of this province and the further development
of our offshore industry."
Mr. Steele was born in Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland, and spent 24 years
in the Royal Canadian Navy before leaving to pursue his business interests.
He spearheaded the development of Eastern Provincial Airways in the 1970s,
and presently serves as the Chair of the Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited,
which operates 65 radio stations across Canada. Mr. Steele is also a past Governor
of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and has been inducted into the
Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame.
Mr. Steele was selected as chair of the panel by the government-appointed
panel members, Mr. Wayne Thistle for Canada and Mr. Dean MacDonald for Newfoundland
and Labrador.
The selection panel will begin the search for the Chair and CEO of the CNLOPB immediately,
and expects to complete the selection process by early December 2005.
The panel is inviting expressions of interest from candidates, as well as
nominations. These can be addressed to Mr. Lloyd Powell of the St. John's office
of Robertson Surrette. The panel will also do a comprehensive search for individuals
who are suitable and qualified for this very important role.
The CNLOPB manages
the petroleum resources in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area on behalf
of the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Board's Authority is derived from the legislation implementing the 1985 Atlantic
Accord between the two governments.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable R. John Efford, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador
and the Honourable Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources today announced
that Harry Steele has been appointed to head a panel to select the Chair and
CEO of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447
Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
Carmel Turpin
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-5282 or (709) 685-4624
