The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of a Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretaries to Ministers.
The Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretaries assist the Premier and Ministers on various issues or files. While they do not receive pay for their work in these roles, their background and experiences position them to provide invaluable support in a variety of ways, including making announcements, attending meetings on behalf of the Minister, and supporting the Premier and Ministers in delivering on the government’s commitments.
Effective immediately,
- Riley Balsom, MHA for Carbonear-Trinity Bay de Verde, is appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.
- Jeff Dwyer, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Mines.
- Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
- Jim McKenna, MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- Mark Butt, MHA for Lewisporte-Twillingate, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Growth and the Minister of Rural Development.
- Hal Cormier, MHA for St. George’s-Humber, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.
- Joseph Power, MHA for Labrador West, is appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
Biographies for the Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and the Parliamentary Secretaries are included in the enclosed backgrounder.
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“We are fortunate to have a strong team of MHAs who share a deep passion for public service. They will bring valuable experience and knowledge to their new roles as we look to advance our vision of better health care, lower taxes, and safer communities for all of us.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn more
Premier Wakeham Announces New Cabinet
BACKGROUNDER
Biographies
Riley Balsom
Riley Balsom is a proud lifelong resident of Heart’s Content, where his roots run deep and his commitment to community is unwavering. Riley graduated from Memorial University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in French.
Riley’s passion for improving his hometown led him to successfully run for municipal office in 2021. Riley’s deep connection to his hometown, combined with his leadership experience and dedication to public service, positions him as a strong advocate for the people in the district of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde. Riley was elected to serve the constituents of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde as their MHA on October 14, 2025.
Jeff Dwyer
Jeff Dwyer has proudly represented the vast and beautiful District of Placentia West–Bellevue since first being elected in May 2019, re-elected in March 2021, and again in October 2025.
Raised in Marystown by his parents, Dennis and Bernadette Dwyer, alongside his three siblings, Jeff learned early in life that serving others was where he found the greatest purpose. He considers it a privilege to represent the people of Placentia West–Bellevue and is grateful for the support he has received. He continues to give back to residents and communities from Marystown to Long Harbour, and from Chance Cove to Chapel Arm.
Jeff is a graduate of Memorial University, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Keith Russell
Keith Russell was born and raised in Happy Valley–Goose Bay and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University. His early career took him across North America as a product manager and technical specialist in the tech industry. He later returned home to serve as financial manager for the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation, supporting economic growth for the Nunatsiavut Government.
Keith was first elected in 2006 as the Ordinary Member for Upper Lake Melville in the inaugural Nunatsiavut Government. He later served as the MHA for Lake Melville from 2011 to 2015. On October 14, 2025, he was re-elected as the MHA for Lake Melville.
With deep roots in Labrador, Keith has also worked in the mining sector at Voisey’s Bay as an underground quantity surveyor, gaining firsthand knowledge of the region’s economic potential.
Keith is a proud husband and father, outdoorsman, musician, and community champion. He is proud to represent Lake Melville with passion, integrity, and a commitment to ensuring Labrador’s resources benefit its people.
Jim McKenna
Jim McKenna is a lifelong resident of Island Harbour, Fogo Island, where he and his wife proudly raised their six daughters while continuing a family legacy of hard work and community service.
Jim spent much of his career operating family-owned grocery and restaurant businesses, originally started by his father, before becoming a distributor for Brookfield. Through decades of business experience, he’s seen first-hand the challenges facing rural Newfoundland and Labrador from the rising cost of living, especially for seniors, to the uncertainty in our fisheries and its ripple effects on local families and small businesses.
Jim also spent time working in Alberta’s oil fields, giving him a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by rotational workers and their families — and the importance of ensuring their voices are heard.
Jim brings a strong work ethic and a passion for public service, ready to serve every individual and every community across the district with honesty, determination, and heart.
Mark Butt
Born and raised in Twillingate, Mark Butt is a graduate of J.M. Olds Collegiate and a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist. He completed a three-year Automotive Technology program at the College of the North Atlantic and has spent nearly 25 years in the automotive industry. Mark has represented Newfoundland and Labrador at national skills competitions and ranked among the top 10 Honda technicians in Atlantic Canada.
A dedicated volunteer, sports enthusiast, and two-time cancer survivor, Mark embodies teamwork and resilience, qualities he believes are essential for representing the constituents of Lewisporte-Twillingate.
Mark was elected as the MHA for Lewisporte-Twillingate on October 14, 2025.
He and his wife, Susan, have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of two children, Samantha and Mitchel.
Hal Cormier
Hal Cormier was elected MHA for St. George’s–Humber on October 14, 2025. Hal is committed to making a positive impact through community-focused leadership and public service.
With a strong background in public service, he has actively fostered community connections and advocated for the needs of local residents. Serving two terms as a councillor in the Town of Pasadena gave him valuable experience in addressing local challenges and opportunities, while ensuring the voices of his constituents were heard and represented effectively.
Hal’s career is defined by his dedication to community development, local involvement, and thoughtful, results-driven advocacy for the people of his district.
Joseph Power
Joe Power is a longtime resident of Labrador West, moving to the region over 30 years ago. Originally from Mortier, Newfoundland and Labrador, Joe is one of 12 born to a fishing captain and stay-at-home mom.
Joe raised his family in Labrador West after moving to the region to work with the Department of Forestry. Joe continued his career as a public servant when he joined the Labrador City Fire Department, making his way through the ranks from firefighter to inspector, up to chief, a role he held for 13 years. Joe played a major role in fighting the 2013 forest fires that affected Labrador West as a member of the Emergency Operations Centre.
As a former coach and director with minor sport in Labrador West, and as a dedicated volunteer with initiatives and organizations including Toys for Joys, and the Ministerial Association, Joe understands the importance of community and giving back to Labrador West. Joe was elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for Labrador West on October 14, 2025.
