The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, announces the appointment of Kim Hawley George, K.C., as the Clerk of the House of Assembly (acting) effective today, in accordance with subsection 7(3) of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act.

Ms. Hawley George served in the position of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel of the House of Assembly since 2017. Prior to joining the Legislature, she served as Chief Legislative Counsel and Assistant Deputy Minister for Legal Services and the Office of the Legislative Counsel in the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Ms. Hawley George is the past president of the Association of Legislative Counsel in Canada and is current president of the Association of Parliamentary Counsel in Canada.

The position of Clerk of the House of Assembly is vacant following the retirement of Sandra Barnes, who served in the position since July 2012.

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“As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I extend congratulations to Ms. Barnes on her retirement, and offer my sincere appreciation and gratitude for her tireless work and for dedicating her professional career to serving the public interest. During her time as Clerk, she served the legislative branch with integrity, loyalty, impartiality and objectivity. I also welcome Ms. Hawley George to the position in an acting capacity – I am confident her varied and extensive experience will enable her to effectively serve in this role.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Principal Clerk of Committees/Director of Communications
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca