Great Seal

Authorized in 1730, the Great Seal of Nova Scotia was the first of its kind in Canada. The seal is engraved on either side with the royal arms and the provincial arms. The purpose of the seal is to manifest the authority of the Crown at the provincial level and permits documents to be "signed and sealed" at Halifax. The tradition of using seals to indicate sovereign will was passed down from the British colonial system of government. The Keeper of the Great Seal is the Minister of Justice who received it from the Lieutenant Governor when she was sworn into office. The Seal will be returned by the Minister when Her Honour leaves office.