YELLOWKNIFE (August 15, 2012) – Premier Bob McLeod has announced Sylvia Haener as the new Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice. This appointment will be effective as of 5pm on August 31.

Ms. Haener is a lifelong resident of Yellowknife and has been working for the Government of the Northwest Territories since 1989. She is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister (Solicitor General) for the Department of Justice. In this position, she is responsible for the corrections service, victim services, protection against family violence, community justice and policing. She has also served as CEO of Stanton Territorial Hospital and as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Departments of Health and Social Services and Executive. She has successfully applied her passion for labour relations and human resources work to each of her GNWT positions.  Ms. Haener will succeed Bronwyn Watters, who is retiring.

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Haener to her new position,” said Premier McLeod. “Her varied experience will serve our government and justice system well. I have already been impressed by her creative approaches to resolving issues, and I look forward to working with her in this new role. I would also like to thank Ms. Watters for her dedication and commitment to the public service, and wish her the very best in her retirement.”

Ms. Watters recently won the Dave Ramsden Public Service Award for Career Excellence for her 34 years of public service, with impressive contributions to Health and Social Services, Education, and, most recently, Justice.

The Department of Justice’s mandate is to administer justice, including policing and corrections in the Northwest Territories. This mandate will be carried out in a manner that respects community and aboriginal values and encourages communities to assume increasing responsibilities.
 

For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111