The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that Gerrie Smith will be the Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Deputy Attorney General.

Ms. Smith replaces Karen Stone, KC, who was appointed Clerk of the Executive Council on Friday, October 31.

Ms. Smith’s appointment is effective today (Tuesday, November 4).

Detailed biographical information can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I had the opportunity to work alongside Ms. Smith in the House of Assembly and have consistently been impressed by her professionalism, dedication, and the high calibre of her work. I am delighted to welcome her to the senior executive team of the Provincial Government, and I look forward to collaborating with her on initiatives that strengthen public safety and create safer communities for residents and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographical Information
Gerrie Smith is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been practicing law for more than 25 years. Ms. Smith most recently served as the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel with the House of Assembly.

Prior to that role, Ms. Smith was the Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of Justice and Public Safety and served as Legislative Consultant with the Department of Health and Community Services for many years.

She began her public service career in 2001, after several years in private practice. She was a solicitor at the Department of Justice, where she provided legal advice to numerous government departments before joining the Department of Health and Community Services.

Ms. Smith completed her legal studies in French at both Université de Moncton in New Brunswick and Université Laval in Quebec City. In October 2020, she graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto with a Master’s Degree in Law.