Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Created
The acronym NSLC now stands for Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. This week, the government proclaimed legislation, passed in the spring, that changes the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission into a Crown corporation.
"One of our objectives has been to make this a more service- oriented organization, responsive and accountable, ultimately to the people of Nova Scotia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the liquor corporation. "The Crown corporation model will make it easier to pursue that objective."
Employees of the former liquor commission automatically become employees of the new Crown corporation, with the same conditions of employment and benefits.
However, the new legislation abolishes the positions of commission general manager and the commissioners. Former general manager Gary Findlay will be leaving the organization immediately.
"Gary Findlay lead the commission effectively over his years as general manager. He moved the organization forward and fulfilled the mandate given him by successive governments," said Mr. MacDonald.
The commissioner positions, which have been filled by chief commissioner Douglas Caldwell, Robert Sampson and Michele McKenzie, are dissolved. The minister extended the government's thanks to these individuals, noting they served their province with dedication and integrity.
"Now it is time to begin a new phase in the development of the organization," he said.
A search has begun for a president of the new Crown corporation, as well as for a permanent board of directors. In the interim, Bruce Rogers, executive director for retail services with the corporation will serve as acting president. The interim board will be made up of senior provincial civil servants. Michele McKenzie, deputy minister of Tourism and Culture, will chair the board. She will be joined by deputy ministers Bill Hogg (Finance); Doug Keefe (Justice); Kevin McNamara (Environment and Labour); Ed Cramm (Community Services), along with senior staff members Greg Beaulieu (Tourism and Culture), Vicki Harnish (Treasury and Policy Board), and Chris McCulloch (Justice). Bruce Rogers will also act as a member of the board.