Karen Gatien

Biography

Karen has held a variety of leadership positions since joining the Government of Nova Scotia in 1988. These include positions in the fields of workforce development, public school and early childhood education, adult education, employment services, and policy and planning.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Master of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Current role

Deputy Minister, Department of Natural Resources and Renewables

The Deputy Minister of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables oversees the development, management, conservation and protection of the province’s forest, wildlife, mineral and energy resources. The deputy minister is responsible for leading the development of programs, policies and research for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The deputy minister also promotes the sustainable development of natural resources to support jobs, help grow the economy and provide social and environmental benefits.

Responsibilities include:

• helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting energy efficiency in homes, businesses and the transportation sector and keeping electricity rates stable and affordable
• overseeing the management of Crown lands and the operation of provincial parks
• developing programs, policies and research for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
• promoting exploration and development opportunities in mineral, petroleum and energy sectors and administering onshore mineral, petroleum and energy rights
• overseeing day-to-day operations of the department

Previous roles

• Associate Deputy Minister, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
• Executive Director, Strategic Policy and Research, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
• Director, Employment Nova Scotia, Department of Labour and Advanced Education
• Director, Adult Education, Department of Labour and Advanced Education