News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Premier David Alward announced today the appointment of Carl Urquhart (MLA - York) and Claude Landry (MLA - Tracadie-Sheila) as deputy Speakers of the legislative assembly. The appointments are effective immediately.

"I am very pleased that Carl Urquhart and Claude Landry are taking on this key role in the legislative assembly," Alward said. "They are both experienced parliamentarians, and I have complete confidence they will ensure the smooth operations of the House as our government works to change the culture of government, improve our financial situation, create jobs and improve education and healthcare for New Brunswickers.”

Urquhart was first was elected to the legislative assembly in the September 2006 provincial election to represent the riding of York. He served as official Opposition critic for areas of interest related to public safety and Kings Landing Historical Settlement. He was a member of the standing committees on estimates and law amendments and was a member of the select committee on life-long learning. He was re-elected in the Sept. 27, 2010, provincial election.

Urquhart served with the RCMP for five years before joining the Fredericton Police Force, for which he completed 28 years of service. He worked in community policing, street crime, the drug unit, major crime and the patrol division. He has been involved in the community, serving as vice-president of the New Brunswick Police Association; president of the St. John River Salmon Anglers Association; and director of the Atlantic Salmon Association.

Landry was first elected to the legislative assembly in the September 2006 provincial election to represent the riding of Tracadie-Sheila. He was a member of the standing committees on estimates and law amendments and was the official Opposition critic for areas of interest related to the field of education. He was re-elected in the Sept. 27, 2010, provincial election and was named legislative secretary to the minister of education and early childhood development on Nov. 5, 2010.

Landry practised as a dentist in Tracadie-Sheila from 1982 to 1991 and in Neguac from 1991 to 2001. He was a member of the Tracadie-Sheila municipal council from 1992 to 1995. From 2001 to 2006, he was the executive assistant to then-minister of health and wellness Elvy Robichaud.