McGhie Report to be Released
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. plans to release the McGhie report, vice-chair Dara Gordon announced today.
In many instances, the corporation will exceed the recommendations of the province's freedom of information review officer, Darce Fardy, who called for the release of an edited report.
"We have carefully reviewed Mr. Fardy's recommendations and the McGhie report," said Ms. Gordon. "We will be releasing all the portions of the report recommended by Mr. Fardy, together with several additional portions that will assist the public in their review."
In a March 12 decision, the review officer agreed with the corporation's position that "the (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) act supports withholding portions of the report." However, he did recommend releasing an edited version.
Ms. Gordon emphasized the corporation's commitment to openness within the guidelines of the act. "We will be open and accountable to Nova Scotians whenever possible. We will continue to work toward disclosure whenever the rules permit."
In keeping with Section 40 of the act, the corporation today notified Mr. Fardy, the applicants and the third party, ITT Sheraton, of its decision to release the report. Section 41 allows 30 days for the applicants or third party to appeal the corporation's decision. The report will be released after the 30 days, pending any appeals.
In August 1996, ITT Sheraton proposed a smaller permanent casino within its existing hotel complex on the Halifax waterfront. The following month, the corporation asked consultant Don McGhie to review Sheraton's proposal. Following receipt of McGhie's report and further discussions, Sheraton agreed to proceed with a stand-alone casino on the waterfront.
Work on the new $100-million casino began Feb. 1, with completion slated for September 1999. Armour stonework has been completed, and piling work is now under way.
The construction project is expected to generate 240 full-time construction jobs and 340 spinoff jobs. Upon completion, the new casino will employ about 785 workers -- almost 350 more than the current operation.