William Thompson

Deputy Minister

Ministry of Industry, New Brunswick 

William M. Thompson has been the Deputy Minister of New Brunswick’s Department of Energy since it became a stand-alone department in October of 2003.

He also chaired the deputy ministers Ad Hoc Committee on NB Power Restructuring, Commercialization and Related Matters.

Prior to being appointed to the Department of Energy, Mr. Thompson served as Deputy Minister to the Department of Tourism and Parks. He also served as Deputy Minister with the Department of Investment and Exports. In 1999, he was co-chairman of the transition team following the election of Premier Bernard Lord’s government in the general provincial election, and was appointed Deputy Minister to the Premier’s Office.

Mr. Thompson was an Industrial Commissioner with the Fundy Region Economic Development Commission. He was General Manager of the New Brunswick Salmon Growers’ Association from 1991 to 1999. He is also a past-president of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Association.

In 1977, Mr. Thompson graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in Law. He also holds a degree in Commerce from St. Mary’s University.

Following university from 1979 to 1981, he worked as executive assistant to the Honourable Gerald Merrithew who was Minister of Commerce and Development for the Province of New Brunswick. He was also executive assistant to Mr. Merrithew when he was Minister of State for Forestry for the federal government from 1984 to 1987.

Mr. Thompson resides in Saint John with his wife Cathy and their son Micah.