Paul Davis sworn in as 12th premier

The new premier of Newfoundland and Labrador has been officially sworn in. 

Paul Davis has become the province's 12th premier, at a ceremony Friday afternoon at Government House in St. John's.

Davis was elected the leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative party on Sept. 13. 

He's stated he will work to keep the party united as it heads into a general election, which he needs to call within 12 months.

But the swearing in was overshadowed by Thursday night's stabbing of an 11-year-old boy in Conception Bay South, which Davis addressed before his first speech as premier.

"We're all left to wonder why, and how things like this could happen in what is otherwise a peaceful community. So I think I can speak on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians when we say that our thoughts are with him and his family, and please keep them in your prayers," said Davis.

The premier represents the district of Topsail, which borders the soccer field where the stabbing happened.

Davis told reporters after the ceremony that he's looking at early next week to swear in his new cabinet.