New Directors Appointed to Sysco Board

Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser announced changes to the Sydney Steel Corp.'s board of directors today, naming himself and four new appointees to the board of the provincially owned steel company.

Mr. Balser will replace the former minister of Economic Development, Manning MacDonald. Joining Mr. Balser on the board will be Ed Harris, Peter Sodero, James Gogan, and Jacqueline Thayer-Scott.

An additional appointment to the board will be made at a future date.

Mr. Balser said he appreciates the efforts of Mr. MacDonald, as well as those of Allan Henderson and John Strasser, who will no longer serve on the board.

"It's important that the board be prepared to take a fresh look at Sysco in the days ahead," said Mr. Balser. "That means no preconceived notions or commitment to previous policies."

Mr. Harris is a lawyer and accountant, a professor at Dalhousie law school and a recognized expert in tax law, having written a number of textbooks on the subject. Mr. Sodero is a Halifax lawyer with Walker, Dunlop and a native of Sydney. Mr. Gogan is a business executive who has had a long and distinguished career with Empire Inc. Ms. Thayer-Scott is a respected academic and president of the University College of Cape Breton.

Mr. Balser plans to meet with the new board in Sydney next week.