MCKAY APPOINTED DEPUTY MINISTER OF NORTHERN AFFAIRS

Released on January 18, 1996

Northern Affairs Minister Keith Goulet today welcomed the appointment of
long-time Saskatchewan civil servant Ray McKay as deputy minister of the
newly formed Office of Northern Affairs. Born and raised in northern
Saskatchewan, McKay is the first person of Indian ancestry to be
appointed to the position of deputy minister in Saskatchewan.

McKay has worked for the past 17 years in the Northern Education Services
branch. A graduate of Education at the University of Calgary, McKay was
appointed Director of Northern Education Services in 1979, then served as
Executive Director starting in 1987.

"I can think of no one who is more qualified for the position of Deputy
Minister of Northern Affairs," Goulet said. "Mr. McKay's experience and
background make him well suited to deal with the unique opportunities and
challenges that exist in the north.

"Under his leadership, K-12 education in the north has been made more
relevant; training has been linked to the needs of northern employment;
and partnerships have been promoted among all northern groups and
individuals."

Goulet noted McKay was instrumental in the implementation of policies
that led to employment for more than a thousand northerners. He also
helped establish the five-year Multi-Party Training Plan, an initiative
of the mining industry, Aboriginal groups, provincial and federal
governments, which is preparing northerners for technical and
apprenticeship positions in the mineral sector.

"The establishment of the Office of Northern Affairs, and the appointment
of Ray McKay as deputy minister, is a clear demonstration of our
government's commitment to northern Saskatchewan and northern people. We
are further demonstrating that commitment by locating the Office of
Northern Affairs in La Ronge, where it will be better able to serve its
clients.

"I am not only confident, but enthusiastic, that with the talent and
experience of Ray McKay we will develop a co-ordinated and workable
strategy to address the economic growth and job creation focus of the new
department," Goulet said.

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For further information, contact:
Art Newton
Communications Officer
Department of Northern Affairs
Regina Phone: (306) 787-7982