Halifax Port Authoity Announces Board Change
February 27, 2002
Merv Russell Steps Down Following Eight Years of Service
Halifax, NS - Halifax Port Authority today announced that Mr. Merv Russell, is stepping down as Chair and Director of the Board after nearly eight years of service on February 28, 2002.
Mr. Russell was appointed Chair of Halifax Port Corporation in April, 1994. He was re-appointed in 1997 and was elected Chair of Halifax Port Authority in March 1999.
Under his leadership, Halifax Port Authority has experienced significant growth in containerized cargo volumes, from 2.6 million tonnes in 1994 to 4.4 million tonnes in 2001. One of the most exciting areas of development of the Port of Halifax during Mr. Russell's tenure is the growth in the Port's cruise business from 39 cruise calls in 1994 to 96 cruise calls in 2001. Cruise passengers over the same period have increased more than threefold to 160,000 in 2001.
"It has been an honour to serve my community as Chair of Halifax Port Authority," said Mr. Russell. "The Port of Halifax is well prepared to capitalize on developments in international shipping and other business opportunities relating to both the cruise and energy sectors."
Mr. Alan Abraham, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Halifax Port Authority says that Mr. Russell leaves the Halifax Port Authority in good financial health, having just completed its best financial year ever. "Mr. Russell provided excellent leadership and guidance through his Chairmanship of Halifax Port Authority and through his role on the Board of Directors of Canada Ports Corporation. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mr. Russell for his years of service and for his contribution to one of the most important economic drivers in the Province of Nova Scotia."
The HPA is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Minister of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of $670 million dollars and an employment impact of over 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.
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