The executive chairman of Invest Nova Scotia has resigned just two weeks after Premier Tim Houston announced his appointment to help create the new Crown Economic Development Corporation.
In a statement, Houston said he “reluctantly accepted” the resignation Wednesday of Tom Hickey, a man he described as a longtime personal friend.
“Public service, in all its forms, requires great sacrifice from those who accept the challenge, and I appreciate Mr. Hickey’s candor in assessing his ability to make the necessary sacrifices to provide the level of attention that Invest Nova Scotia requires ,” Houston said.
In an interview with the CBC on Wednesday, Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek said Hickey’s decision was based on a re-evaluation of his own business deals and “a particular acquisition that he is currently finalizing.”
“Eventually, he realized he didn’t have the time to put in the work that was needed,” she said.
Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek will now oversee the search for a new leader for Invest Nova Scotia. (George Sadie/CBC)
Although disappointed, Corkum-Greek said she respects the decision. The minister said the few weeks she had worked with Hickey had confirmed to her that he had the qualities needed for the job.
Houston announced late last month that Hickey, an entrepreneur and business owner with more than two decades of experience, will take on the role of executive chairman of Invest Nova Scotia pending the appointment of a full-time CEO.
Corkum-Greek said the search is ongoing, and in the meantime, she and senior officials in her department will lead the transition.
“Even though it wasn’t the original path that was envisioned, I fully own it and I’m committed to it. I know how important this is to our government’s vision for economic development [and] our commitments to Nova Scotians.”
Streamlined Crown Corporations
The new Crown corporation is created by consolidating Innovacorp, Nova Scotia Business Inc. and the Invest Nova Scotia Fund as part of the government’s efforts to streamline its approach to economic development in the province. It, along with Build Nova Scotia, will be finalized following the passage of legislation expected to be introduced during the upcoming fall session in Province House.
The appointment of Wayne Crowley as executive chair of Build Nova Scotia, which will replace Nova Scotia Lands and Develop Nova Scotia, was announced at the same time.
Houston said he identified Crowley and Hickey from a short list of candidates. Each was expected to be paid $1,500 a day, up to $18,000 a month for their work.
“They’re my personal friends,” Houston said on July 26. “I’ve known them for a long time. They have very, very competent people and I have tremendous faith in their abilities.”
Corkum-Greek said Hickey indicated he would not bill the province for any work he did before resigning.
“It was never about the money for a guy like Mr. Hickey,” she said.
“The fact that he’s now saying, ‘Look, we’re level. No payment required,’ that’s consistent with Tom’s commitment all along, which has really been: What can I do for my province?’
Hickey could not be reached for comment.
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