Premier Gordon Campbell's policy coordination and issues management deputy chief of staff Tom Syer is leaving the Rockpile for the liquour industry. In an email sent to friends and colleagues, Mr. Syer wrote that he'll be taking over from Neil Sweeney as the Western Canada public affairs director for Labatt Breweries of Canada Ltd. Mr. Sweeney, who was once deputy chief of staff to the premier, recently became the company's corporate affairs vice-president. The following is an edited copy of that email.

From: Syer, Tom PREM:EX
Sent: January 16, 2007 1:19 PM
Subject: Announcement

Friends and Colleagues,

After 10 stimulating and very rewarding years working for Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal government, it is time for me to take on a new challenge. At the end of the month I will be the taking over for Neil Sweeney as Director of Public Affairs, Western Canada for Labatt.

The privilege of working my way up through the legislature from legislative intern, to opposition researcher to Deputy Chief of Staff has been remarkable and incredibly fulfilling. An enormous part of this enjoyment has come from the friendships that have developed over this time. I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with many of you and know that those relationships will continue well into the future. I will send you my new contacts when available, for the next 2 weeks you can reach me at my government account.

Cheers!
Tom