The Halifax Port Authority is pleased to announce the appointments of Richard (Rick) Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, K.C., and Laurie Graham to its Board of Directors for three-year terms. All join the Board as Port User directors, and their appointments took effect September 14, 2026.
Edwards is a marine service industry consultant with more than 30 years experience, having served in Commercial and Operational roles in a number of Eastern Canadian ports. His career has included years of working with various stakeholders in the Port of Halifax. He is also a former Director with Eastern Canadian Tug Owners Association and is a former Vice Chair of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia and the Mission to Seafarers Halifax.
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Fitzpatrick, K.C. is a Senior Partner in the law firm BoyneClarke LLP based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He was appointed King’s Counsel (formerly Queen’s Counsel) in 2008, recognising his contributions to the legal profession. He has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2012. He is a past board chair of the Halifax International Airport Authority, and of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors. He currently serves on the Board of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation and is Chair of the foundation’s Strategic Growth Council. He is a recipient of a King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024, in recognition of service to his community.
Ms. Graham is a senior level leader and communications specialist, having served at the top levels of national broadcasting and provincial government in Nova Scotia. She is the former Chief of Staff to Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil, following an award-winning career as an accomplished broadcast journalist for CTV and CBC national news bureaus. A native of Sydney, Nova Scotia, she was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022, recognising her significant community contributions.
André Boudreau, Chair of the Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors, remarked on the appointments of the new Board members:
“We are pleased to welcome Rick Edwards, John Fitzpatrick and Laurie Graham to the Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors,” said Boudreau.
“Their deep experience and strategic insights will enhance the activities of the Board, complementing the rich skills sets of the current Board members. The new Board members will help to provide exceptional governance and strongly contribute to the next phase of growth at the Port of Halifax as Canada’s Atlantic gateway.”
With these appointments, Vice-Chair Deanna Byrne, ICD.D will be leaving the Board following the expiry of her term and more than five years of exemplary service. Ms. Byrne (formerly Furlotte) was appointed to the Board in February 2021. She has served as Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and has contributed across all board committees.
“I want to thank Deanna for her many contributions to the Halifax Port Authority Board during her term,” said Boudreau. “She brought a professional, warm and collaborative approach to the Board that was appreciated by all. Her advice and support have helped advance the Port of Halifax as a key international gateway, and as a welcoming port for cruise tourism and community engagement.”
The Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors is comprised of seven members: Chair André Boudreau, and members Michelle Awad, Rick Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, Laurie Graham, Chris McInnes and Douglas Reid.