Media Release

For Immediate Release

September 5, 2006

NS Premier Appoints SMU alumnus to senior post

Premier Rodney MacDonald has just announced the appointment of Robert Fowler to the most senior position in the Nova Scotia civil service.

Fowler, who is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University, is now the deputy minister to the premier, deputy minister of Treasury and Policy Board and Communications Nova Scotia. He succeeds Howard Windsor, who retires following a 28-year civil service career.

"I am very pleased that Bob Fowler has accepted this important position," Premier MacDonald stated in an official news release issued to all media and the public alike.

"Throughout his career he has earned the respect of his colleagues and demonstrated the skills and leadership required for this position. His experience will serve government and the province well as we move forward on the issues that are important to Nova Scotians."

Raised in Windsor, Fowler has been a public servant for more than 30 years, the majority of that time in the Nova Scotia civil service. He is most recently deputy minister of Health Promotion and Protection and Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to this he served as a regional director general for Health Canada for almost two years. He also served as the first chief executive officer of the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, and before that served in a number of progressively senior positions within the Nova Scotia civil service.

Premier MacDonald also paid tribute to Windsor. "Howard was the deputy minister at Tourism and Culture when I was first appointed there in 1999. He is a tremendous civil servant and I am fortunate to have known and worked with him," the premier said. "I wish him and his family the very best in the years ahead."

Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

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For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca