Sir Graham Day to Lead Superport Talks

Sir Graham Day will lead Nova Scotia's team in discussions with Maersk/Sea-Land to bring the giant shipping alliance's world-class post-Panamax container terminal to the port of Halifax.

Premier Russell MacLellan, in announcing the appointment, said the province is extremely fortunate to have a person of Sir Graham's calibre and record of achievement representing its interests.

"This appointment will be another indication to Maersk/Sea-Land of just how serious the province is in its efforts to build the terminal in Halifax and to create a port that is a major international gateway to and from North American markets," said Premier MacLellan. "With Sir Graham Day on our side of the table, with his wealth of international experience and expertise to tap into, Nova Scotia will be clearly indicating to the shipping companies that we intend to seize this economic opportunity."

The request for Sir Graham's services came from Bernard Smith, chair of Rockingham Terminal Inc., which will represent the Halifax Port Group in discussions with Maersk/Sea-Land. The Halifax Port Group, comprising representatives of the Province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality and the Halifax Port Corp., submitted a proposal Aug. 14, 1998, to the shipping alliance.

Sir Graham, of Hantsport, said he is honoured by the confidence the Halifax Port Group has shown in him and his ability, given the importance of the task ahead.

"What is at stake here is no less than a chance to secure some lasting prosperity for my native province," he said. "Knowing this, I give Nova Scotians my full commitment that I will represent their interests to the best of my abilities and, in the end, bring the post-Panamax container terminal to Halifax."

Sir Graham serves on the boards of not-for-profit corporations and national and international companies, including the Bank of Nova Scotia, Sobeys Canada Inc., PowerGen and Cadbury Schweppes. He was chairman and CEO of British Shipbuilders in the mid-1980s and was chairman of British Aerospace between 1991 and 1992 during a period of management and strategic realignment. A holder of Canadian-British dual citizenship, he was knighted in 1989 by the Queen for services to British industry.

Currently, Sir Graham is chairman of Ontario Hydro Services Company Inc. He is chancellor of Dalhousie University and holds the Herbert Lamb Chair at the Dalhousie School of Business. The province recently nominated him to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Halifax Port Authority.

"I have every confidence that Sir Graham will be a tough negotiator on Nova Scotia's behalf," said Finance Minister Don Downe. "His professional experience and proven business record will be positive factors in working out arrangements to have Maersk/Sea-Land become a permanent member of our community and a major contributor to the economic well-being of Nova Scotia, if not the entire Atlantic and New England region."

Halifax is on the short list with Baltimore and New York/New Jersey for the post-Panamax terminal. Maersk and Sea-Land, two of the largest container lines in the world, expect to make a selection within months.