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Aiming to do better with less: N.L. government rejigs departments

Dwight Ball steady at 20% approval rating, still at 2nd-lowest in Canada

The cutting of close to 300 management jobs from the Newfoundland and Labrador civil service is part of a broader announcement that includes a realignment of some government departments.

There were no reductions in the number of cabinet ministers but many services have been grouped together differently.

Here is the list of changes to several government departments:

Municipal Affairs, and Environment

Minister responsible: Eddie Joyce

Notes: The government merged the two departments to form one department that is responsible for waste management and environmental protection. The department will push for high environmental standards for waste water and waste management within communities.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Minister responsible: Steve Crocker

Notes: This used to be called the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods.

It now incorporates the lands branch from the former Department of Municipal Affairs, the wildlife division from the former Department of Environment and Climate Change and the fish and wildlife enforcement division from the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

The department's headquarters is being moved to Corner Brook to focus on agriculture and forestry activity.

Tourism, Industry, and Innovation

Minister responsible: Christopher Mitchelmore

Notes: This is the new name for the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. This department is now also responsible for park operations.

Intergovernmental and Indigenous Affairs Secretariat, Office of Labrador Affairs

Minister Responsible: Premier Dwight Ball

Notes: The department is merging the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat with the former Aboriginal Affairs functions. A separate Labrador Affairs office will be created to help address issues from the region.

Office of Climate Change

Minister Responsible: President of the Executive Council, Dwight Ball

Notes: The office has moved to be within the Executive Council, because climate change impacts programs and services in all departments.

Other

All marketing within the provincial government will now fall under the communications and public engagement branch and engineering services will fall under the Department of Transportation and Works.