Premier Stephen McNeil today, May 12, appointed Fred Crooks as Nova Scotia’s first Chief Regulatory Officer.

Reporting to the premier, Mr. Crooks will lead the newly created Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness.

Announced in March, the office will aim to reduce the regulatory burden on citizens and businesses while protecting public health and safety, the environment and employee and consumer interests.

“Our goal is to create a modern, consistent and fair regulatory environment driven by high-quality, client-focused service,” said Premier McNeil. “Fred has a strong mandate for change, and his leadership skills and business experience position him well to deliver on that mandate.”

Mr. Crooks was previously executive vice-president, corporate services, at Bell Aliant, reporting to the CEO and board of directors, and overseeing human resources, labour relations, legal services, regulatory affairs and communications and public affairs.

Before joining Bell Aliant, Mr. Crooks was a senior partner in a major Atlantic law firm for more than 20 years.

The office will also focus on collaboration with New Brunswick to eliminate regulatory overlap between the two provinces and improve policy collaboration.

Mr. Crooks’ appointment is effective immediately.

Source: Release