Prime Minister Announces New Director of Operations

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that effective March 1, 1998, Mr. Paul Sparkes will be assuming the position of Director of Operations. The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) as well as event planning and logistics.

In making the announcement, the Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to Mr. Jean Carle, who has served as Director of Operations since November 4, 1993. "Jean has done an outstanding job," he said. "He has been by my side since long before our government was first elected. He has played a key role in building my office's well-earned reputation for skill and efficiency. And he has been instrumental in so many successes for our government, from our hosting of the Halifax and Vancouver Summits to our Team Canada Trade Missions. He will certainly be missed. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours, not just as a colleague, but as a friend."

Mr. Sparkes is currently the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for the Atlantic region. Before joining the PMO, he served as Executive Assistant to two premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador: Brian Tobin and Clyde Wells. "I am very glad that such an able and experienced member of my team will be taking on this important role,"said the Prime Minister. "He has worked closely with me in recent years and I know he is well-suited to the challenge."

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555