Premier Announces Transition Adviser for Queens County
Premier Darrell Dexter, today, June 17, announced that Ron Smith a leader in the Nova Scotia business and social services community, has agreed to lead the economic transition project in Queens County because of the indefinite closure of the Bowater mill.
The premier said Mr. Smith will support the skills and pride of people in Queens County by engaging them to share their ideas for secure jobs in forestry and other industries that will help keep the community strong and sustainable for future generations.
"The province and the people of Queens County did everything possible to keep those jobs here," said Premier Dexter. "Today we need to move forward and having Ron share in our effort is an important first step for the people of Queens County to plan their own destiny and look for a better path forward."
Mr. Smith is from Yarmouth County and is the former chief financial officer with Aliant Telecom Inc., past vice president and chief financial officer of Emera, chair of the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund board, and a member of the board of Nova Scotia Business Inc. He serves on the board of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Canadian Accounting Standards Oversight Council. Mr. Smith is former national president of the Canadian Association for Community Living, former chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and is former chair of Voluntary Planning, Nova Scotia Citizen's Planning Forum.
As transition adviser, Mr. Smith will support the community through this time of adjustment and renewal. He will help the community identify future economic development opportunities, develop a vision for the region, set action priorities, and will provide a link between the region and the province.
"The province is happy to have someone of Ron's experience and knowledge agree to step in and provide leadership to help the people of Queens County create a new vision for their future," said Premier Dexter.
"I will be there to help the community better understand their potential economic opportunities and then support the organization and implementation of their vision," said Mr. Smith "The vision of the future will be made by the workers, the families, the young people, and the business people of Queens County. I am here to help support them through that process."
This week Mr. Smith will open an office in Liverpool and immediately begin to meet and talk with community and business leaders on their ideas for the future.
"The people of Queens County have the spirit and strength of character to overcome this most recent setback, and ensure a good future for their children and grandchildren," said Premier Dexter. "With Ron's experience and guidance there will be better days ahead for Queens County."