Premier Stephen McNeil has appointed a deputy minister and associate deputy to Agriculture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, and has re-assigned deputy-level responsibility for the Office of Immigration.

Brian Rogers has been appointed deputy minister, and Kim MacNeil appointed associate deputy minister of the departments of Agriculture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Mr. Rogers has a background in marine sciences and business management, having led several private sector companies. Mr. MacNeil is a long-time provincial employee who recently served as executive director of the Public Service Renewal.

“These industries are deeply rooted in Nova Scotia’s collective culture and serve as important economic drivers for the province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Mr. Rogers has proven his business expertise in the private sector and has a background in marine science research. His experience, alongside Mr. MacNeil’s public service background, will help us grow and foster these sectors in a responsible and sustainable way.”

Mr. Rogers served as president of fisheries resource development at High Liner Foods and most recently as president of his own aquaculture and fisheries consulting firm. Mr. MacNeil has worked in the civil service since 1986 in several departments, including serving as acting deputy minister at the Department of Environment in 2010.

Catherine Blewett will become CEO of the Office of Immigration in addition to her duties as deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Affairs. Aiming to advance Nova Scotia’s immigration priorities, the responsibility will be more closely aligned with intergovernmental affairs, maximizing links to the federal government and to a wide range of stakeholders in Nova Scotia. Ms. Blewett will take over the responsibilities immediately.

Mr. MacNeil’s appointment is effective Jan. 27, and Mr. Rogers’s Feb. 24.

Source: Release