DEPUTY MINISTER APPOINTMENTS

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the appointments of Doug Matthies as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization and Neil Yeates as Deputy Minister of Learning.

Doug Matthies' appointment is effective March 10th, 2004.

Matthies was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He is a graduate of the University of Regina (Bachelor of Administration) and received his designation as a Chartered Accountant in 1984. Mr. Matthies has worked in both the private and public sector and has been the General Manager of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation since 1994.

"I am pleased and excited that Mr. Matthies has accepted this challenging position," Calvert said. "His extensive experience in the public sector and in particular, the agriculture sector, will serve him well in his new role."

Neil Yeates' appointment is effective April 1st, 2004.

Yeates joined the provincial public service in 1981. He has held a number of senior positions in the departments of Finance, Health and Social Services and served as the Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training from July 1999 to March 2002. His most recent assignment has been as the Deputy Minister of Corrections and Public Safety.

"Mr. Yeates is a highly skilled public servant with a depth of experience that lends itself well to taking on this challenging portfolio." Calvert said.

Yeates is replacing Craig Dotson who is retiring after 29 years of public service. During his tenure, Dotson has served in a number of policy, finance and operational positions.

"I want to pay special tribute to Craig Dotson for his important contribution as the Deputy in the Department of Learning," Calvert said.

"After having served as the Deputy Minister of Education for six years, Mr. Dotson oversaw the re-organization and integration of Education, Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training, early childhood development and the Provincial Library into a single agency. His understanding and appreciation of the many facets of the education and human services fields positioned him well to address the issues facing the Department of Learning and the government."

"I am grateful to Mr. Dotson for his service to our province and I wish him all the best in his retirement."

Mr. Terry Lang will be the Acting Deputy Minister of Corrections and Public Safety and Stan Benjamin will be the Acting General Manager of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Barbara MacLean Deputy Minister to the Premier's Office Regina Phone: (306) 787-9299