News release

February Holiday Named Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Nova Scotians will celebrate Nova Scotia Heritage Day on the third Monday in February, starting next year.

Classes from three schools across the province submitted Nova Scotia Heritage Day as part of the February Holiday Naming Campaign.

"The naming campaign gave students a great opportunity to learn more about the people and events that helped shape our province," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "I want to thank all of the teachers and students who took part in this event."

The naming campaign also asked students to suggest significant cultural and historical contributions to Nova Scotia that will be recognized each year on the holiday.

A three-member panel reviewed the submissions and recommended names to Ms. Regan.

The first February holiday, in 2015, will recognize and celebrate Viola Desmond. The next 12 contributions to be recognized, in no particular order, are:

  • Mi'kmaq Heritage
  • Africville
  • Joseph Howe
  • Edward Francis Arab
  • Nora Bernard
  • Carrie Best
  • J. William Comeau
  • Grand Pre National Historic Site
  • William Hall
  • Rita Joe
  • Maud Lewis
  • Mona Louise Parsons

"I'm so pleased to see such a diverse group of people, places and events to be honoured over the next several holidays," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. "For years to come, Nova Scotia Heritage Day will recognize many important contributions to our history and culture, and Nova Scotians of all ages will learn more about what makes our province what it is today."

The order will be announced at a later date.

Nova Scotia Heritage Day gives Nova Scotians six statutory holidays a year.

More information, including a list of all submissions received, is available online at http://novascotia.ca/februaryholiday .