Premier Announces Economic Advisory Panel

NOTE: A list of panel members is included at the bottom of the release.

Premier Rodney MacDonald today, Dec. 10, announced the creation of the Premier's Economic Advisory Panel. The 14-member group is made up of business leaders from across the province.

Panel members represent a range of businesses including retail, infrastructure, agriculture and economics. Through their business interests, panel members provide jobs for thousands of Nova Scotians.

"I want to thank the members of the panel for accepting the invitation to join this important initiative," said Premier MacDonald. "I know these men and women have very busy lives, and it says a lot that they will take the time to volunteer to help our province through a difficult period."

The advisory panel will be in place for two years and will meet quarterly.

Panel member Al MacPhee, president, Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association, said he is honoured to be part of such a group. Mr. MacPhee operates one of the largest dealerships in Atlantic Canada and serves on several provincial and national boards.

"The people the premier has pulled together to be part of this panel speaks volumes about the business community in our province," said Mr. MacPhee. "We have representatives from across the province and from a number of sectors. I feel we have something to offer, and am pleased to see the premier reach out to those of us facing economic challenges first hand."

"We have a who's who of business in our province," said Premier MacDonald. "Their experience will be invaluable as we work through difficulties caused by the worldwide economic slowdown. And, of course, because many of these people do business elsewhere in Canada and around the world, they may be able to provide input about opportunities that we otherwise might not be aware of."

The panel will provide feedback, information and advice on general economic conditions in Nova Scotia and around the world, including trends and opportunities.

The first meeting will be held in January.

Members of the Premier's Economic Advisory Panel:

• Joe Shannon, Seaboard Transport/Shannex
• John Risley, Clearwater Seafoods
• Colin Dodds, Saint Mary's University
• John Bragg, Oxford Frozen Foods
• Irving Schwartz, Schwartz and Co. Ltd.
• Paul Sobey, Empire Co. Ltd.
• John Chisholm, Nova Construction
• David Hennigar, Annapolis Basin Group Inc.
• Tim O'Neil, former executive vice-president, Bank of Montreal
• Dianne Kelderman, Nova Scotia Co-op Council
• Valerie Payn, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
• JP Deveau, Acadian Seaplants Ltd.
• Wadih Fares, WM Fares and Associates
• Al MacPhee, Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association