Prime Minister Stephen Harper Tuesday said that telecommunications executive and philanthropist Frank Fagan will be the next lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In a press release, the Canadian Prime Minister Tuesday announced the appointment of Fagan as the queen's representative in the eastern most province of the country.

As a lineman, Frank Fagan spent 40 years in Bell Aliant Communication Company in the province and before retiring in 2008, he became the CEO of the company.

According to the press release, Fagan is widely involved in voluntary community services and is the founding member of the Literacy Foundation and the Newfoundland Chapter of the Telecom Pioneers of America. 

"Mr. Fagan has dedicated himself to the betterment of his province as a volunteer, philanthropist, and business leader," the prime minister said in the release.

"He is a community minded individual through and through, and I am confident that he will serve his province exceptionally as Lieutenant Governor."

In 2011, Frank Fagan was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada and has received widespread recognition in the country, the press release said.

While announcing the name of the new lieutenant governor, Stephen Harper applauded outgoing Governor John C. Crosbie's dedicated service as lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Canada, lieutenant governors are appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister and they are titled to service a five-year term.

During the term of lieutenant governor, they act as their province's vice-regal representative.

There are ten provinces in Canada, and each province has a lieutenant governor. 

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