Previous Entries

Friday, May 8, 2020

75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

Today, 8 May 2020, we mark the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day). In 1939, forces of Nazi Germany invaded Poland and so commenced nearly six years of fighting in the Second World War. Britain entered the war against Germany on 3 September 1939, and one week later Canada entered the war on 10 September 1939. On 7 May 1945, the Nazi German Army offered a complete and unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces and victory in Europe was attained. The next day, the people of the Allied nations rejoiced after many years of great hardship and sacrifice. More than one million...

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

75th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day – Peace Tower Carillon Recital – Friday, 8 May 2020

To mark the 75 th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, there will be a special recital played at the Peace Tower Carillon on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at 12:00pm Eastern (1:00pm Atlantic) on Friday, 8 May 2020. The House of Commons Dominion Carillonneur – Dr. Andrea McCrady – will perform a playlist that is reflective of music from the Second World War period. The program will last 45 minutes. The recital will be audio live-streamed via the following website: www.ourcommons.ca/carillon The playlist is as follows: - O Canada - Prelude on Thaxted , by Sterling Proctor, arranged...

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

Today, 5 May 2020, we mark the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Canada’s part in liberating the Netherlands played a key role in the culmination of the Second World War as the Allied forces closed in on Germany from all sides. As many as 175,000 Canadians took part in the campaign that began in September 1944 and ended on 5 May 1945. This enormous effort to free the Dutch from Nazi German occupation came at a heavy cost with the loss of over 7,600 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen. Many are buried in cemeteries across the Netherlands with over 2,300 being...

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Death of Six Members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Their Honours join all Nova Scotians in mourning the deaths of six members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died when the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter operating from HMCS Fredericton crashed in the Ionian Sea on Wednesday, 29 April 2020. The four aircrew and two sailors who were lost are: Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough, RCN Master Corporal Matthew Cousins, RCAF Captain Kevin Hagen, RCAF Captain Brendan Ian MacDonald, RCAF Captain Maxine Miron-Morin, RCAF Sub-Lieutenant Matthew Pike, RCN HMCS Fredericton, which deployed on OP #REASSURANCE on 20 January 2020, is based in Halifax, and the air...

Friday, May 1, 2020

75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic

On Sunday, 3 May 2020, we mark the 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic in which the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force played a pivotal role. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War in which Canada and other Allied nations battled against the submarine wolf packs of Nazi Germany. It was critical to the victory in the war that the sea lines to Britain and Europe be kept open. Vital supplies were transported across the Atlantic in merchant ships that were escorted by the navy and air cover was provided the air force...

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Day of Mourning

Today, 28 April 2020, we mark the Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning is held annually in Canada on April 28 and is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. The Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to renew the commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Monday, April 27, 2020

Moment of Silence for RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson - 24 April 2020

On Friday, 24 April 2020, at Government House, and along with Nova Scotians and Canadians across the country, Their Honours observed a moment of silence in honour of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, who tragically died on Sunday, 19 April 2020 while doing her duty to stop the mass shooter. Their Honours each placed a rose in memory of Constable Stevenson. A short video of the Moment of Silence can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/XYrqh5B56uY

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

A message from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia

“Both my wife and I were profoundly shocked to hear about the devastating mass shooting in Nova Scotia. We wanted you to know that our hearts go out to the families and friends of all those who have so tragically lost their lives in such a brutal, senseless attack, and to those who have been so cruelly injured. We are full of admiration for the RCMP, first responders and officials who came to the aid and support of the communities involved in this incident, made all the more challenging with the ongoing hardships of the Covid-19 crisis and the loss of one of the RCMP’s own...

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Message of Condolence from Her Majesty The Queen regarding the tragedy in Nova Scotia / Message de condoléances de Sa Majesté la Reine concernant la tragédie en Nouvelle-Écosse

Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Nova Scotia, and we send our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives. I also pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police services who selflessly responded to these devastating attacks, and to the emergency services who are supporting those who have been injured and affected. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nova Scotia and all Canadians at this tragic time. ELIZABETH R C’est avec une...

Monday, April 20, 2020

Video Message from the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia on the Mass Shootings in the Province

His Honour The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia has prepared a video message on the shootings in Nova Scotia. To see the message, please go to the following link: https://youtu.be/EEDh8r_M-y8