Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

Premier Russell MacLellan today announced the appointment of Margaret L. (Peg) MacInnis as deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Premier MacLellan said Ms. MacInnis has been named the first deputy for the office because of her wide experience in collaborating with others on team projects and strong communication skills.

"There are a number of complex issues before us and in keeping with the government's commitment to deal fairly with native issues such as forestry, fishing and land claims, a deputy minister with the experience of Peg MacInnis will benefit all of us."

A native of Sydney, Ms. MacInnis graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1988. She has been a solicitor with the Province of Nova Scotia and a Crown attorney. Most recently she was legal counsel to the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate. Prior to her work with the government Ms. MacInnis was with the firm of Cox Downie in Halifax.

Ms. MacInnis participated in a number of major projects relating to public/private partnerships. She was a member of the negotiating team for the Highway 104 toll highway project and legal advisor to the Department of Education and Culture on school construction. She was also a member of the negotiating team for the Department of Justice's Custody Configuration Project.

Her appointment is effective immediately.