The Prince Rupert Port Authority has a new chair for its Board of Directors. Former BC Attorney General, Bud Smith, has been appointed to board by the provincial government and was then unanimously elected as chair. Smith is leaving his three-year position as chair of the board for Ridley Terminals for the appointment.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Smith back on the Port's board," says Don Krusel, CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
"He brings considerable knowledge of port activities and economic development as well as an intimate understanding of the Port of Prince Rupert and local affairs. Mr. Smith's contribution will be invaluable to our organization as we prepare for a period of unprecedented growth and the enhancement of standards that enable our safe, responsible, and sustainable approach to global trade."
Smith has served on the port authority’s board as one of the directors from 2007 to 2009 and will be replacing the port’s outgoing chair, Dale MacLean who has served for three consecutive terms as chair.
"It is a privilege to rejoin the Port Authority's Board at this point in its history. The port's consistent growth in cargo volumes has earned it international recognition. Considering the planned developments and terminal expansions, Prince Rupert is becoming an economic powerhouse. I look forward to working with the team to help realize its full potential," says Smith.
Smith served as the Social Credit MLA for Kamloops from 1986 to 1991. During the Bill Vander Zalm’s government, Smith served as BC’s Regional Economic Development Officer and the Attorney General.
In 1990, Smith stepped down from the office of Attorney General after audio tapes of his phone conversations with radio reporter Margot Sinclair went public, and which allegedly showed him plotting to discredit a lawyer hired by the NDP to work the Bill Reid case at the time. Further investigation cleared Smith of any wrongdoing.
After his government career, Smith worked extensively in both the private and public sectors. He is general counsul for Urban Systems Ltd. and president of both Meija Property inc. and YKA Travelwise Kamloops. He has served on the boards of many Crown Corporations such as Canada Post and the BC Development Corporation.