The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced his new Cabinet, with the Premier and all Ministers being sworn in at Government House.

Today’s Cabinet and changes to departmental portfolios reflect the priorities of this new government and the changes required to build a brighter future.

“This is a new cabinet for a new time. I am honoured to have been sworn-in as the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and to be leading this strong team of Ministers as we work together to serve the people of this great province,” said Premier Furey.

Premier Furey would like to thank all of the MHAs and Cabinet Ministers for their dedication.

The following is a list of Cabinet Ministers by department:

• Premier and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs – Hon. Andrew Furey
• Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation – Hon. Siobhan Coady
• Minister of Education – Hon. Tom Osborne
• Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and Attorney General – Hon. Andrew Parsons
• Minister of Justice and Public Safety, President of Treasury Board and Government House Leader – Hon. Steve Crocker
• Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour and Minister Responsible for Workplace NL – Hon. Gerry Byrne
• Minister of Health and Community Services – Hon. John Haggie
• Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Deputy Government House Leader – Hon. Lisa Dempster
• Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation – Hon. Bernard Davis
• Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities – Hon. Brian Warr
• Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for the Public Procurement Agency – Hon. Derrick Bragg
• Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, Registrar General, and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board – Hon. Derek Bennett
• Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture – Hon. Elvis Loveless
• Minister of Digital Government and Service Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs – Hon. Sarah Stoodley

Biographies are included in the Backgrounder below.

-30-

Media contact
Meghan McCabe
709-765-6946

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Hon. Andrew Furey, Premier

Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Andrew Furey is a passionate orthopaedic trauma surgeon and educator with Memorial University’s School of Medicine.

Premier Furey has a diverse education, which includes a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Oxford University and a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology from Memorial. His strong work ethic has earned him many local, provincial, and national awards and honours. He was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Canadian Red Cross and earned the Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross.

In 2010, he helped create Team Broken Earth to provide medical relief after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. This Newfoundland and Labrador-born charity has since expanded in size and scope. Today, over 1,500 volunteers from across Canada, the US, and UK have participated in medical missions to Haiti as well as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. On top of that, Premier Furey helped found A Dollar A Day Foundation to support mental health initiatives across Canada.

Premier Furey enjoys spending time with his wife, Allison, and their children Maggie, Rachael and Mark. He credits his family for helping him stay grounded and maintain his perspective on what matters most – love, empathy, and making a difference.

He was sworn in as the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador on August 19, 2020.

Hon. Siobhan Coady, Member for St. John’s West
Siobhan Coady has chaired the regional economic development board, the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame, and has been the Campaign Chair for Red Cross. She has contributed to the Board of Directors of the St. John’s Airport Authority, the Genesis Centre, the Atlantic Innovation Council, the Institute of Corporate Directors, Genome Canada, Compute Canada and Children’s Wish to name a few.

She is an award winning entrepreneur and recognized as one of the top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada. She has owned and operated companies as diverse as Newfound Genomics Inc. and Bonaventure Fisheries Inc. She is Past Chair and Governor of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the St. John’s Board of Trade.

Educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Oxford University and the University of Toronto, she is an accredited Director of the Institute of Corporate Directors and an Accredited Public Relations Professional.

On November 30, 2015, Ms. Coady was elected to represent the District of St. John’s West in the House of Assembly. She has served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Government House Leader, and also previously served as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Prior to joining provincial politics, from 2008 to 2011, she was the Liberal Member of Parliament for the Riding of St. John’s South–Mount Pearl and Critic for Treasury Board.

Ms. Coady and her husband Pat live in St. John’s where they enjoy the outdoors and their Labrador Retrievers.

On August 19, 2020 she was sworn in as Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation

Hon. Tom Osborne, Member for Waterford Valley
A native of St. John’s, Tom Osborne attended Cabot College and Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was involved with the business community for several years. Prior to entering politics he worked for Statistics Canada, Small Business Enterprise, and with the Penney Group of Companies.

He has represented his district of Waterford Valley (formerly St. John’s South) since 1996. Mr. Osborne has served as Deputy Speaker and has held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Environment, Minister of Labour, Minister of Health, and Minister of Justice.

Mr. Osborne was appointed as Speaker of the House in December, 2015, and was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation in July of 2017.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Education.

Hon. Andrew Parsons, Member for Burgeo – La Poile
Andrew Parsons has represented the district of Burgeo – La Poile since 2011. A lifelong resident of Channel-Port aux Basques, he trained as a lawyer and was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador bar in 2005. Mr. Parsons practiced law in the region before entering provincial politics. He previously served as the Opposition House Leader and the opposition critic for Justice, Health and Community Services, and other key portfolios.

Mr. Parsons has served on the executive of Port aux Basques Minor Hockey, including four years as president. He served as a committee member for Port aux Basques Come Home Year 2005, a member of the Southwest Coast Marine and Mountain Zone Committee, and as a board member on the Dr. Charles L. Legrow Health Care Foundation. He has also served as president of the Port aux Basques Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized and awarded numerous times for his public service and volunteerism. He was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General, and Government House Leader in December of 2015.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and Attorney General.

Hon. Steve Crocker, Member for Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde
Steve Crocker was elected to the House of Assembly in November 2014 in Trinity – Bay de Verde. Since his swearing in, Mr. Crocker has served as the opposition critic for Innovation, Business and Rural Development, including the Research & Development Corporation. Mr. Crocker has been a tireless advocate for the people of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde, working hard to bring attention to critical infrastructure needs for the district.

He worked as an entrepreneur at his family’s business in the district of Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde and resides in Heart’s Delight-Islington.

Prior to his election, he served as executive assistant to Dwight Ball, the leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Crocker was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (now Fisheries and Land Resources) on December 14, 2015. He was appointed Minister of Transportation and Works in July of 2017.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Justice and Public Safety, President of Treasury Board and Government House Leader.

Hon. Gerry Byrne, Member for Corner Brook
Gerry Byrne has had a long and successful career in federal politics, having served as the Member of Parliament for Humber -St. Barbe-Baie Verte beginning in 1996. Mr. Byrne was re-elected six times to the Parliament of Canada.

From 2002 until 2004, Mr. Byrne served as the Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the youngest cabinet member in Newfoundland and Labrador history. He was parliamentary secretary to several key cabinet members. He has also served in a lead role on a number of influential government standing committees.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Byrne worked as an economic development officer on the Great Northern Peninsula, during which time he was involved in numerous projects from varying segments of the provincial economy, including the renewable and non-renewable resource sectors. He was born and raised in Corner Brook. Mr. Byrne completed his post-secondary education at Dalhousie University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Mr. Byrne was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Skills (now Advanced Education, Skills and Labour) on December 14, 2015, and Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources on July 31, 2017.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour and Minister Responsible for Workplace NL.

Hon. John Haggie, Member for Gander
Born in England, the Honourable John Haggie completed his medical studies at Victoria University in Manchester. He held several positions as physician, surgeon, tutor and registrar in the North West region of England and after a two-year fellowship, he received a doctorate in cancer research.

Since moving to Canada in the early nineties, Minister Haggie has had a long and distinguished career in medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador. He practiced initially as a general surgeon in St. Anthony with the Grenfell Region Health Services. In 1997, he was appointed attending surgeon of general and vascular surgery at James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander. In 2008, he was appointed Chief of Staff at James Paton Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Haggie served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association.

In Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2015 general election, he was elected MHA for the District of Gander and appointed to Cabinet to serve as the Minister of Health and Community Services, and continues to serve in that portfolio.

Dr. Haggie resides in Gander with his wife Jeanette and two Westies, Chloe and Gracie.

Hon. Lisa Dempster, Member for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair
Ms. Dempster was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2013 in her home district of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair. Ms. Dempster was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly in December 2015. In July 2017, Ms. Dempster was appointed Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Born and raised in Charlottetown, Labrador, Ms. Dempster attended Memorial University, and worked in the tourism and hospitality industry. She worked for 23 years as a career and employment counsellor, including 10 years with the NunatuKavut Community Council, of which Ms. Dempster is a member.

Ms. Dempster also served as Deputy Mayor of Charlottetown as well as the Labrador Director on Municipalities NL’s Board of Directors. Before entering public office, she served as a trustee with the Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority Board, a member of the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine’s Admissions Committee, Chair of the Charlottetown Literacy Committee and Co-Chair of the Region’s Literacy Committee.

She represents the province on the National Steering Committee of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, sharing her perspective on the opportunities and challenges for women interested in pursuing public office.

Ms. Dempster is married with two children: Nicholas (now deceased) and Natalie. She makes her home in Charlottetown, Labrador with her husband, Gaius, and daughter, Natalie.

On August 19, 2020 she was sworn in as Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Deputy Government House Leader.

Hon. Bernard Davis, Member for Virginia Waters – Pleasantville
Bernard Davis is a lifelong resident of St. John’s, a dedicated community volunteer, and someone who is committed to enhancing and promoting community development issues across the province. A graduate of Memorial University (Bachelor of Commerce), Mr. Davis served as the Executive Director and Program Coordinator of the Church Lad’s Brigade (C.L.B.) and as an elected Councilor at St. John’s City Hall before entering provincial politics.

In 2015 Mr. Davis was elected to represent the District of Virginia Waters – Pleasantville, and has served as Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister of Service NL.

He was appointed Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour in November of 2018.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

Hon. Brian Warr, Member for Baie Verte – Green Bay
Brian Warr is an accomplished business and community leader and long-time resident of Springdale. He attended Memorial University and Holland College, attaining a diploma in police sciences. He served with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary until 1987, when he returned to Springdale to manage the family hardware business.

Mr. Warr has served as Deputy Mayor of Springdale, Chairman of the Canadian Retail Hardware Association and President of the Springdale and Area Chamber of Commerce, among other leadership roles.

Mr. Warr was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2017 and held that role until being appointed Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Hon. Derrick Bragg, Member for Fogo Island – Cape Freels

Derrick Bragg was born and raised in the small community of Greenspond, where he was employed in the municipal sector for 30 years as town clerk/manager. He was a strong advocate of community engagement and volunteered on various committees including fire chief for 28 years. Mr. Bragg served on the board of directors for the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Municipal Administrators for eight years, five of which was in the capacity of president.

He was elected on November 30, 2015 and re-elected May 16, 2019. Mr. Bragg was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment on September 13, 2019.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for the Public Procurement Agency.

Hon. Derek Bennett, Member for Lewisporte – Twillingate

Derek Bennett is a lifelong resident of Lewisporte. A graduate of the Community Recreation Leadership Program at the College of Trades and Technology, he worked as the Director of Recreation and Tourism with the Town of Lewisporte for 25 years.

In his role as director, Mr. Bennett oversaw major community enhancements projects and has served on numerous local, regional and provincial boards including President of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador.

He was first elected to the House of Assembly on November 30, 2015.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, Registrar General and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board.

Hon. Elvis Loveless, Member for Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune

Elvis Loveless is originally from Seal Cove, Fortune Bay, and is the proud father of two children, Kaitlyn and Ryan. His path to government included community service, commerce and business related work experience, and several years of post-secondary education in business administration and public administration.

He has also been dedicated to charitable work involving children, particularly his responsibilities as a Cabinet Committee Member of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation fundraising campaign, which raised $3.6 million for cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Loveless was elected to the House of Assembly on May 16, 2019.

On August 19, 2020 he was sworn in as Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

Hon. Sarah Stoodley, Member for Mount Scio

Sarah Stoodley (M.A., B.Comm Co-op) was elected to the House of Assembly on May 16, 2019.

Ms. Stoodley grew up in Grand Falls-Windsor, lived and worked for three years in Oxford, UK and has built a successful career as a digital expert in financial services.

She was an elected alumni representative on the Memorial University Board of Regents and served on the C.A. Pippy Park Commission Board and the NATI Board.

On August 19, 2020 she was sworn in as Minister of Digital Government and Service Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.