Christine Mahar became the acting deputy minister for the Department of Finance last Friday, Premier Sandy Silver announced that day.

Mahar will lead the department during a period of transition following the departure of the previous deputy minister, Katherine White.

“Christine Mahar is a longstanding senior leader in the public service with deep knowledge and expertise in accounting and financial management,” Silver said in a statement.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Christine and the rest of the team in the Department of Finance, and I am grateful for the ongoing support they provide to me and my cabinet colleagues.”

Deputy ministers are the most senior public servants in government departments.

“They are responsible for the department’s budget, day-to-day operations and program development.

Deputy ministers serve at the pleasure of the premier and take direction from the minister responsible for their department.