Premier Welcomes Jamie Baillie as New Chief of Staff

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Premier Welcomes Jamie Baillie as New Chief of Staff

Premier John Hamm today announced a number of changes to senior staff, naming Jamie Baillie as chief of staff to the Premier's Office and Alison Scott as deputy minister for Intergovernmental Affairs.

"Jamie Baillie brings experience from the private sector and the political field which will be of great assistance," said Premier Hamm. "I look forward to working with him as we continue to meet the commitments we've made to Nova Scotians."

Raised in Truro, Mr. Baillie graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1988 and received his designation as a chartered accountant in 1990. He is currently a senior partner at the Halifax office of Ray and Berndston/Robertson Surette, one of the country's largest executive search firms.

Mr. Baillie serves as the chair of the board of directors of the Halifax Adult Services Society and is the vice-president of the board of directors of the Neptune Theatre Foundation.

"I'm looking forward to supporting the premier and I'm extremely honoured to be given this tremendous opportunity," said Mr. Baillie. "The premier has a team dedicated to delivering fiscally responsible government, better health care and quality education to the people of Nova Scotia. It's great to have the chance to be a key member of that team."

Mr. Baillie's appointment is effective Jan. 14, 2002.

Ms. Scott will be taking over as deputy minister for Intergovernmental Affairs from Patricia Waring-Ripley who is leaving the provincial government. Ms. Scott will continue as the clerk/secretary to the executive council.

"Alison Scott is one of government's most senior and capable public servants. I know she will meet with great success at Intergovernmental Affairs," said the premier. "I enjoyed working with Dr. Waring-Ripley and want to thank her for her work on behalf of the people of Nova Scotia and wish her well in her future endeavours."

A graduate with honours from St. Francis Xavier University, Ms. Scott received her law degree from Dalhousie University in 1980.

She has practised law with the Department of Justice for 13 years and has served as clerk of the executive council under former premiers Don Cameron and John Savage. Ms. Scott returned to government in August 1999 to serve as secretary to the executive council and, since January 2001, as clerk/secretary.

Ms. Scott's appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2002.