Scott Ferguson named CEO of new Halifax Convention Centre

It will be same title, new building, for Trade Centre CEO Scott Ferguson.

On Monday, the McNeil government announced Ferguson has been appointed president and CEO of the new Halifax Convention Centre when it opens in 2017.

Ferguson will be paid $184,222a year to lead Halifax Convention Centre Corporation Limited.

That is the same pay under his current contract as president and CEO of Trade Centre Limited, which will be replaced by the new convention centre. He was first appointed in 2009. His currentthree-yearcontract expires in September 2018.

The appointment was made on the same day the province announced a two-person board of directors for the Halifax Convention Centre Corporation.Acting Halifax chief administrative officerJohn Traves and the province'sdeputy business minister, Murray Coolican, were named.

The Convention Centre Act was proclaimed Monday. It allows for a four-member board of directors.

"The appointment of Mr. Ferguson ensures the new convention centre corporation will have the experience and continuity of leadership we need at this important time," Coolican said in a statement.

He said he expects the government, in partnership with Halifax, to announce a board of directors in the near future.

"This is an exciting milestone as we get ready to open and operate the new Halifax Convention Centre," Ferguson said in the government news release.