Deputy Premier
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Public Procurement
Minister Barry Petten studied at Memorial University prior to attending the College of the North Atlantic, where he earned a diploma in Business Management and Accounting.
Before entering politics, he worked as a mental health counsellor for 20 years and served on a number of boards, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers and the Municipal Appeals Board. He also held leadership positions as President and Chief Shop Steward of Local 6234.
Minister Petten was first elected as the MHA for Conception Bay South in 2015. As a member of the Official Opposition, he served in several key roles, including Opposition House Leader, Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Health. He was also a member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Management Commission.
On October 29, he was sworn in as Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Public Procurement.
Minister Petten resides in Conception Bay South with his wife, Rhonda. Together, they enjoy spending time with their two daughters and three grandchildren.