Today, I was honoured to raise the Flag of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council during a ceremony at Government House. This flag will fly for the entire month of October in honour of Mi’kmaq History Month. Although the normal events held on Treaty Day have been limited due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, I am pleased to learn that this important day will be marked in a virtual manner. In support of this virtual format, I am honoured to provide a video message, which can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/pzLYQ-1RMd0 This morning’s flag raising event is more than a...

Registration is now open for the first event of the Fall 2020 Series of Evenings @ Government House on 22 September 2020. Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Co-Founder and Director of the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank, will discuss important advances in dementia and Alzheimer's disease research taking place at Dalhousie University. Government House will follow the prevailing health and safety regulations as they pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests will be required to wear a mask while inside Government House. There will be no post-presentation reception. Seating in the Ballroom will be limited to 25...

Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, which brought victory for the Allies and finally marked the end of the Second World War. Those of us who remember the conclusion of the Far East campaign, whether on active service overseas, or waiting for news at home, will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief. Amongst the joy at the end of the conflict, we also remembered, as we do today, the terrible devastation that it brought, and the cost borne by so many. Prince Philip and I join many around the world in sending our grateful thanks to the men and women from...

Mrs. LeBlanc and I are shocked and greatly saddened to learn of the explosion that occurred in Beirut on 4 August 2020 that has resulted in so many deaths and injuries. This is a serious blow to a nation that was already experiencing difficult times. This terrible event has touched many people of Lebanese descent who are citizens of Nova Scotia. We know that they are worried about the impact of the explosion on their loved ones and fellow countrymen and women, and I have been impressed with the many offers of assistance to Beirut that have emanated from Nova Scotians. The explosion resonates...