Public Service Announcement

HRM Acting CAO completes tenure at HRM

(Thursday March 17, 2011) - Earlier today, Halifax Regional Council and Acting Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Anstey arrived at a mutual agreement that it would be in the best interest of the organization and the community to have Mr. Anstey complete his tenure within the organization effective immediately.

“It became clear to me that it was time to leave in the interests of the organization and in the respect of the trust our municipality holds with the public,” said Mr. Anstey. “While this is not the way I had imagined the close of a career spanning more than three decades, I respect and I accept that Council sees it is my time to go.

“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of HRM, and an honour to have spent so many years working alongside people who are dedicated to municipal public service.”

Mayor Peter Kelly thanked Mr. Anstey for his years of service and acknowledged that his departure will be deeply felt by many.

“Mr. Anstey has dedicated his career to the public service and he continues to show his regard for the best interest of our organization and our community. On behalf of Regional Council, we wish him well in his retirement,” said the Mayor.

A copy of Mr. Anstey’s correspondence is attached. (pdf)

Mayor Kelly and Mr. Anstey also wish to clarify the role of HRM Legal Services in the recent issue of advance payments for concerts.

HRM Legal Services Director and HRM’s Chief Financial Officer reviewed the relevant agreements Wednesday with Audit and Finance Committee Chair Councillor Gloria McCluskey. These agreements, signed in relation to the 2010 concerts on the Common, pertain to the rental of the Common and municipal service issues for the concerts. These agreements also reference advances made by provincial agency Ticket Atlantic but do not reference any similar arrangement by HRM or an HRM-affiliated operation such as Halifax Metro Centre.

“I want to make it clear that I do have full faith in our Legal staff and that I rely on the contract approval process by our Legal Services. These contracts do not approve payment from HRM or an HRM agency. HRM Legal Services was unaware of any advances to the promoter, by anyone connected to HRM."

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Contacts:

Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010