The Liberal Opposition caucus and the Liberal Party Executive Board have announced that Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, will take over as Leader of the Official Opposition and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador effective immediately. The decision to ratify Ms. Jones for both positions was made last night by the caucus and executive board of the party.

"It is an honour to be selected to hold such an important position within the House of Assembly, and to be appointed to the highest position in our party," said Ms. Jones. "I am pleased that my colleagues and the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party have confidence in me to move forward with the job that needs to be done. Over the next several months, we will effectively challenge the policies and decisions of the Williams Government when necessary. Also, we will work to strengthen our party as we prepare for the future.

"I have always been an individual who works with others, consults and looks to build consensus. This approach will not change as I move into the Leader’s position. To effectively represent the people of the province in the House of Assembly, we must listen to the concerns brought forward by individuals and groups. We look forward to working with Liberals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure our party grows. The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador has a bright future and we will work hard to regain the confidence of the people of the province."

Liberal Party President Danny Dumaresque congratulated Jones and thanked her for her commitment to the Liberal Party and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Yvonne Jones is the first female Leader of our party and is a dedicated individual who will work hard on behalf of the people of the province. The party executive has full confidence that she will perform well as Leader and we have given her our support to guide our party over the next several months."

In addition to the Leadership positions, Jones outlined a number of other legislative functions and roles that will now be performed by the members of the Liberal Opposition Caucus.

Yvonne Jones - Leader of the Official Opposition; Member of the House of Assembly Management Commission; Opposition Critic for the Premier; Opposition Critic for the following departments: Fisheries and Aquaculture; Natural Resources; Labrador Affairs; Aboriginal Affairs; Health and Community Services; Status of Women.

Kelvin Parsons - Opposition House Leader; Member of the House of Assembly Management Commission; Caucus Whip; Opposition Critic for the following departments:
Finance and Treasury Board; Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; Justice and Attorney General; Intergovernmental Affairs; Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Business.

Roland Butler - Deputy Opposition House Leader; Chair of the Public Accounts Committee; Caucus Chair; Opposition Critic for the following departments;
Education; Transportation and Works; Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Municipal Affairs; Environment and Conservation; Government Services.

Jones says the Liberal caucus will continue to work hard on behalf their constituents and the people of the province and looks forward to the new responsibilities each caucus member will perform inside and outside the House of Assembly.