Previous Entries

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Passing of the Honourable Alex Colville, PC, CC, ONS

It is with sadness that Mrs. Grant and I learned of the death of the Honourable Mr. Alex Colville P.C, C.C, O.N.S. Mr. Colville was an artist of extraordinary talent who used his gifts to capture significant moments in history such as Canada’s involvement in the Second World War and also the quiet moments of ordinary life in rural Nova Scotia. As one of the most celebrated artists of our time, Mr. Coleville was one of the first named Officers of the Order of Canada in 1967 and was later elevated to Companion of the Order of Canada in 1982 for a lifetime of outstanding achievement and...

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Reduced Tour Schedule Sunday July 7

Government House will be operating a reduced tour schedule on Sunday July 7, 2013. The final tour of the day will take place at 1:00pm . For more information on tours at Government House, please see the tour information page.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Message from the Lieutenant Governor on National Aboriginal Day

Friends, On the occasion of National Aboriginal Day 2013, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the history, culture and vibrancy of the many and varied Aboriginal communities across Canada. As Her Majesty’s representative in Nova Scotia, I take great pride in celebrating the heritage and traditions of First Nations people, an integral part of Canada’s, and Nova Scotia’s, past and future. This past February, I had the honour to present The Queen with a small gift – a beautiful quill work box made by Mi’kmaq artisans. Although Her Majesty...

Friday, June 21, 2013

Government House Open for Public Tours

Visitors are invited to explore the beauty and history of North America's oldest vice-regal residence this summer. Government House will be open to the public for free guided tours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from July 1 to August 31, 2013 . Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take visitors on a 30 minute tour of the Main Foyer, Grand Staircase, Ballroom, Morning Room, Drawing Room and Dining Room. Admission is free and the tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not permitted. The tours will be offered in English however the tour...

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Lieutenant Governor’s Garden Party June 19, 2013

The public is invited to attend the annual lieutenant-governor's Garden Party on Wednesday, June 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant and Mrs. Joan Grant will host the garden party on the grounds of Government House. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments on the back lawn, weather permitting. "The lieutenant-governor's Garden Party has been an annual tradition in Halifax for over 100 years," said Lt.-Gov. Grant. "We invite all Nova Scotians and visitors to join us for a fun and enjoyable afternoon, everyone is welcome." Those planning to attend the party...

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Government House Participating in Doors Open Halifax June 8 & 9

Government House is proud to participate in the first ever Doors Open Halifax on June 8 & 9 2013. Doors Open is an exciting initiative that takes place annually in cities around the world. Buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public for special programming and tours. Visitors are invited to properties that are not usually open to the public, or normally charge an entrance fee. The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Brigadier-General JJ Grant, would like to invite the public to experience the history and beauty of Government House...

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Message from the Lieutenant Governor on the 60th Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Coronation

On June 2, 2013 we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s Coronation. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the solemn oaths of service and duty sworn by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and reflect upon the strength and unity She has provided to Canada and the Commonwealth. For sixty years, we have been well served by a Head of State and lady who has shown unfailing dedication to her peoples around the globe. Nova Scotians in particular took immense pride in marking Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Year around the province. As Lieutenant Governor, I participated in...

Friday, May 17, 2013

Message from the Lieutenant Governor on Victoria Day 2013

On the occasion of Victoria Day, the official birthday of our reigning Sovereign, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. Her Majesty has served our country and the Commonwealth with unparalleled compassion, strength and wisdom since 1952 and continues to inspire people from all over the world to this day. Leading by example, She encourages us to build caring and resilient communities by finding meaningful ways to be of service to others. As we approach the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation in June, I would...

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Passing of Mrs. Rose Marie Abraham

Mrs. Grant and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Rose Marie Abraham, wife of The Honourable Alan R. Abraham, CM, ONS, CD. During her time as Vice-Regal consort, Mrs. Abraham was a stalwart supporter of her husband throughout his distinguished tenure as Lieutenant Governor of our province from 1984 to 1989. Mrs. Abraham's personal touch and care helped to make Government House a welcoming and inviting place for all of their guests. Born in Belliveau Cove and proud of her Acadian roots, Mrs. Abraham brought her interest in her cultural heritage to the vice-regal residence,...

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Passing of Rita MacNeil

It is with great sadness that Mrs. Grant and I learned of the passing of Nova Scotia cultural icon, Rita MacNeil, CM, ONS. Ms. MacNeil was an influential singer, songwriter, author and performer who enriched the cultural landscape of Nova Scotia. Mrs. Grant and I have fond memories of attending performances by Ms. MacNeil in the early days of her career in North Sydney. Her songs of hardship and hope were rooted in her native Cape Breton but their themes were universal and appealed to audiences around the world. In honour of her many achievements and contributions to the Atlantic Canadian...