Top Williams adviser tapped for offshore board

A top adviser to former premier Danny Williams could soon play a key role in the offshore, CBC News has learned.

Elizabeth Matthews — who was Williams's communications director — is the province's choice to be the new vice-chair of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The C-NLOPB, which was created in 1986 through the Atlantic Accord, regulates the oil and gas industry in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

The appointment must still receive approval from the federal government.

Matthews, who was one of the senior staff who left government on the day Williams stepped down as premier late last year, was widely considered to be Williams's top adviser during his years as provincial leader.