Premier Darrell Pasloski has named a new chief of staff.
Ric Stryde will take over the job at the end of July after a short transition period. He replaces Rick Nielsen.
Stryde was raised in the Northwest Territories. His previous work experience includes serving as senior northern advisor to Indian and Northern Affairs ministers Chuck Strahl and John Duncan.
“Mr. Stryde comes to us with extensive experience in the political world, particularly in policy and northern issues. We are fortunate to have him join our team,” Pasloski said in a news release.
Nielsen told the News he believes the chief of staff position should be changed regularly, and that this change was planned for some time. He has had the job for the last two and a half years. He previously served as one of Premier Dennis Fentie’s chiefs of staff for five years, from 2002 until 2007.
“Some have asked if this is a retirement. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do quite a few different things over the years and I have no idea what lies ahead for me,” he said in an email.
“I have always enjoyed everything I have done and not once have I ever considered these different undertakings ‘work.’ So I guess I can tell you that I have never worked a day in my life and therefore, I don’t need to ‘retire.’”