News Release Archive
PREMIER--PROVINCE & MUNICIPALITY PUSH THE GATEWAY CONCEPT FORWARD ----------------------------------------------------------------- The province and the Halifax Regional Municipality are bringing together key players in the province's transportation system in a concerted effort to attract new business, trade, investment and jobs. The revitalized Halifax-Dartmouth Port Development Commission includes major port and airport stakeholders. Eight new commission appointees represent organizations that hold the key to future development of the metro region's airport, port and international trade business interests. "The port of Halifax can, and will be the gateway to North America. We plan to concentrate on the assets we have, right here and right now, to create the opportunities of the future." said Premier Savage. "We will have the key people at the table to make Nova Scotia's advantages an economic reality." Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Walter Fitzgerald said the commission will bring an integrated approach, linking key assets, like the port and airport, to create and maintain maximum economic benefits for Nova Scotians. "We must be prepared to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in a rapidly changing transportation industry." said Mayor Fitzgerald. "We have been able to attract leading business and industry leaders from our community to serve on this commission. They will help us to chart our transportation course into the next century." Economic Renewal Minister Richie Mann was equally optimistic that the chemistry of the new commission will help Nova Scotia thrive. "The port of Halifax, in cooperation with the region's other key air and land links, holds vast potential economic benefits for the city and the province," said Mr. Mann. "These assets can be used to attract new investment, new business and that means new jobs for the city, the region, and the province." The mandate for the 12-person commission is to develop an integrated approach that brings land, sea and air links together to capture international trade and business. This "gateway" positioning will enable Halifax to take advantage of changes in the shipping industry as it consolidates hub calls with larger vessels. The commission will also look for ways to take advantage of changes in the airline industry, including "open skies" with the U.S. and more access to other foreign destinations. Chairman Tom Hayes said the newly structured commission provides "an excellent opportunity for stakeholders involved in port and transportation business to discuss issues of common interest, to eliminate duplication of effort and to move forward together. There is a wealth of talent in this community which can be used to benefit business and the people of this region." The eight new appointees are: Annette L. Marshall, chair, Waterfront Development Corporation; Fred R. MacGillivray, president & CEO, World Trade and Convention Centre; David Nauss, president-business agent, Halifax Longshoremen's Association Local 269 ILA; Wyman Benjamin, executive director, Shearwater Development Corporation; Mervyn Russell, chairman, Halifax Port Corporation; Craig Littzen, vice president, Intermodal CN; Bernard Miller, chairman, Halifax International Airport Authority; and Michael J. MacDonald, president & CEO, Greater Halifax Economic Development Partnership. The new members join current members, chairman Tom Hayes, Elaine Brown, Paul Zive and Jane Cordy. The new appointments run to March 31, 1998. The Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce recently released a report on the vision for the port. Premier Savage said there is "universal acceptance in the community of the need for a strategic and integrated gateway approach to our port assets." "We're extending that concept - we need an integrated approach toward all the assets that can attract investment and export dollars through transportation and trade links. This group will help make that happen." said the Premier. -30- Contact: Economic Renewal Minister Richie Mann 902-424-5790 trp Oct. 22, 1996 - 1:35 p.m