The Premier is defending the provincial government’s hire of Paul Mills as a special advisor to the province’s cabinet committee on jobs.

Mills is a former Vice President of ACOA and was part of the Liberal government’s transition team when they won the 2015 general election.

Mills also did some work with government on The Way Forward.

The Way Forward is referenced in his contract, raising questions about possible political overtones.

Premier Dwight Ball told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly, they wanted to see how the plan has been affected by the pandemic.

He says it’s about revisiting the document and dusting it off, realizing that things are very different because of COVID-19.

Ball says the cabinet committee is made up of Deputy Ministers whom he describes as “very busy.” He says Mills’ job will be to help support the group with his level of experience.

He says Mills has an extensive background and denies the hire was politically motivated.

According to Ball, Mills was brought in on the transition team because of his experience and understanding working with the federal government.

Premier Ball says the Paul Mills that worked on his re-election campaign is a different person.