Ian Thompson
Deputy Minister
Economic and Rural Development

Ian Thompson is a former reporter, former business owner and a former executive with two energy utilities. He's a Halifax native who graduated from Dalhousie University. He has been involved with local, national and international charitable and business organizations. He currently sits on the boards of Nova Scotia Business Inc. and Innovacorp.

Ian is a member of the College of Fellows of the Canadian Public Relations Society and, in recognition of his volunteer work, he has received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General and an honourary degree from Dalhousie University. He is also a 2006 graduate of the Directors' Education Program from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto.

He joined the Government of Nova Scotia in January 2006, opening the Office of Nova Scotia in Ottawa. As of January 5, 2009, Ian was appointed Deputy Minister, Department of Economic and Rural Development.