FORESTRY SECRETARIAT CEO APPOINTED

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the appointment of Kent Campbell as Chief Executive Officer of the newly re-organized Saskatchewan Forestry Secretariat.

Campbell has over 10 years of experience with the provincial government in the areas of public finance, innovation and economic development.  Most recently, he served as the Director of Economic Development with Crown Investments Corporation and participated as a key member of the Forestry Secretariat.  Campbell has a M.B.A. and is a Certified Management Accountant.

“The forestry file is critical to Saskatchewan’s economic well-being, particularly for communities in the north and on the forest fringe,” Calvert said.  “I am very pleased to have a person with Mr. Campbell’s knowledge and leadership abilities assume this role to assist in stabilizing and redeveloping our forest industry to the benefit of the people and communities who rely on it.”

The Forestry Secretariat became a stand-alone government agency with a broader mandate as a result of the 2007-2008 provincial budget.  The expanded role includes facilitating the transition and redevelopment of forest product facilities, engaging in forest industry business attraction, retention and expansion and facilitating value-added production in the provincial forest sector.  The Secretariat will have a total of five full-time employees and the budget of $2 million.

“These dedicated resources will ensure the interests of Saskatchewan people and communities are forefront as the forestry industry goes through this transition,” Calvert said.  “I anticipate we will re-visit this model over time as the industry stabilizes.”

The Forestry Secretariat was first established in February 2006 as an interdepartmental initiative to further enhance the Province’s ability to facilitate a positive transition at the Prince Albert mill and to develop a plan for future forest development in Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

John McLean
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9299
Email: john.mclean@gov.sk.ca