Joining transition adviser Ron Smith will be:
-- Andrew Button, executive director of the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency
-- Kathleen Rafuse, chief administrative officer, Region of Queens Municipality
-- Barry Tomalin, president of South Queens Chamber of Commerce
-- Blair Douglas, former president and owner of N.F. Douglas Lumber Ltd.
The membership brings with it extensive experience in strategic business and financial planning, regional economic development, municipal administration, marketing, executive management and expertise in the forestry sector.
MLA Vicki Conrad will serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.
"This committee has the experience and skills to collaborate with the workers, their families and local businesses in Queens County to identify future opportunities for growing our economy and keeping good jobs here in our community for years to come," said Ms. Conrad. "I thank them all for stepping into a difficult situation without hesitation to help build a new vision for the families of Queens County."
The transition committee will support the community through this time of adjustment and renewal and will facilitate a process where the people of Queens County can map out a vision for their future.
"The committee is looking forward to supporting the people of Queens County as they start to plan for a brighter future," said Mr. Smith. "We will do everything we can to provide the support, advice and expertise to create long-term and sustainable economic growth for this region.
"Our objective is to draw out the most practice and fruitful ideas and strategies through which the people of Queens County will ultimately determine their path forward."
The transition committee will begin immediately talking with business, municipal and first nations representatives and community leaders. The committee will create a plan to engage the community and develop action priorities and economic objectives.
"Less than 72 hours after the Bowater mill closed the province has provided the people of Queens County with an expert advisory committee to support the region during this time of renewal," said Doug Adams, deputy mayor of the Region of Queen's Municipality. "We look forward to working with them as we chart a new course forward."
