Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced changes within the Executive of the Provincial Government.
These include:
Jason Higgins is appointed as Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Deputy Minister of Labrador Affairs.
Tracy King is confirmed as Deputy Minister of Education, a role she has held since May 26, 2023.
Bios for the appointees can be found in the backgrounder below.
These appointments are effective immediately.
Quote
“I look forward to working with Mr. Higgins in his new role. He brings considerable energy and experience to this important role and will further strengthen the team as we continue to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, as well as support the social and economic well-being of Labrador. I would also like to thank Ms. King for her continued leadership within the public service.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
-30-
BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of Executive Appointments
Jason Higgins
Jason Higgins began his career with the Provincial Government in 2000 as a Land Claims Analyst with the former Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. Mr. Higgins has since served in a variety of roles with multiple departments, most recently as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry and Economic Development with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. Mr. Higgins has worked as a Cabinet Officer within the Cabinet Secretariat, Office of the Executive Council, and held the positions of Manager of Industrial Training with the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Director of Family and Child Development with the former Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, and the Manager of Regional Economic Planning with the former Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. He also has a strong background in program and service delivery as an Economic Development Officer and Provincial Trade Commissioner. In addition to his public service, Mr. Higgins brings private-sector experience in business development, having worked for local firms in both management and executive positions.
Mr. Higgins holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Tracy King
Tracy King most recently served as Deputy Minister of Labrador Affairs and Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation in addition to her role as Deputy Minister of Education. She has previously served as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment and Transportation and Works. Prior to that, her roles included Assistant Deputy Minister, Government Renewal Initiative Secretariat, Executive Council, Assistant Secretary to Cabinet, Social Policy, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Planning, with the Department of Health and Community Services. Ms. King has also held a variety of policy-related positions with the Departments of Justice, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, Health and Community Services, the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat and Cabinet Secretariat.
Ms. King holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a certificate in public administration from Memorial University.