News Release Archive
PREMIER--PREMIER TO HEAD PORT DELEGATION ------------------------------------------------------------ Premier John Savage will address a major gathering of shipping and transportation executives in New York City this week. The premier is a speaker at a Thursday luncheon sponsored by the Halifax-Dartmouth Port Development Commission, the Halifax Port Corporation, and Canadian National Railway. The luncheon will be attended by representatives of the port's largest customers, as well as other shipping industry officials. Premier Savage will use his New York speech to explain the Nova Scotia government's interest in port development and its desire to create a single gateway authority for the Port of Halifax. "The Port of Halifax faces major challenges as a result of more aggressive competition, technology changes in shipping, and the privatization of CN. We think it's time to re-invent the Port of Halifax," he said. The premier said there is often confusion as to what agency is responsible for overall port development. Port customers have expressed frustration with the numerous marketing and service providers at the port. The provincial government is taking a leadership role in determining how we can best serve the interests of our customers. "As a government we want to play a key leadership role in moving towards a new gateway authority. We don't want to run the port, but we do want to do all that we can to promote the concept of an integrated and focused agency for the port." The premier said the New York luncheon will be attending by key shipping interests. Later in the day, the premier will make a second presentation to shipping company executives at a dinner sponsored by the provincial government. "We want the shippers to understand our commitment to ensuring that Halifax remains a first-class port. We want to let them know that we are interested in serving this port's customers in the best possible way." Transportation Minister Richie Mann and Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison will also attend the New York events. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 trp Dec. 04, 1995