Energy, Business Deputy to Retire

Murray Coolican, deputy minister of both the Business and Energy departments will retire at the end of the month, Premier Stephen McNeil announced today, Dec. 4.

Mr. Coolican became deputy minister of Energy in 2010 after holding leadership positions in the non-profit, government, political and private sectors. He was appointed deputy minister of Business in 2016, in addition to the Energy portfolio.

“Murray has contributed to the growth of our province as a civil servant, as a business leader and as a volunteer. He has worked with business, industry and post-secondary education on policy and innovation, to the benefit of all Nova Scotians,” said Premier McNeil. “I am particularly grateful for his leadership in ensuring Nova Scotia remains a leader in Canada in combatting climate change.”

Mr. Coolican served as senior vice-president at Maritime Life and vice-president at a number of companies including Nova Scotia Power, Corporate Communications Limited and National Sea Products. He also held senior positions with the Government of Ontario and served as special assistant to former premier and federal Opposition leader Robert Stanfield.

The process to replace Mr. Coolican will begin immediately.