Military Relations - Events and Activities

The Minister responsible for Military Relations participates in a number of events with an aim of increasing awareness of the role the military plays in Nova Scotia.

Events

Nova Scotia Proclaimed Oct. 23 as HMCS Kootenay Day in 2016 and in 2017
The province proclaimed Oct. 23, as HMCS Kootenay Day in remembrance of the worst peacetime accident in the history of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Nova Scotia Celebrates Cadet Day
On the first Saturday in October, Nova Scotia celebrates Cadet Day and young people and volunteers from across the province visit Province House.
100th Anniversary of the Formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion July 5 and July 9, 2016
The Province of Nova Scotia commemorated the 100th anniversary of the formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion at events in Halifax and Pictou. The Battalion was raised in Nova Scotia and was the only predominantly Black battalion in Canadian military history and also the only Canadian Battalion composed of Black soldiers to serve in the First World War.
Cape Breton Veteran, Sgt. Kenneth James Power, Honoured June 18, 2016
Nova Scotia honoured the memory of Sgt. Kenneth James Power, a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue technician, by naming a brook in Cape Breton Regional Municipality after him. The brook flows between Munroe Lake and Lake Uist in the Enon area and is now the Ken Power Brook.
Sgt. Power, who was born in New Waterford, was a 35-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served 25 years as an operational search and rescue technician on bases from Gander, N.L. to Comox, B.C., logging more than 8,200 flying hours during his career. He was awarded the Star of Courage by Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc for a harrowing rescue of four sailors off Sable Island. He also received the Medal of Bravery from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson for a risky, flare-illuminated night-time rescue in northern Quebec of two men who had crashed their light plane.
DND Family Days
In 2016 and 2017, the province of Nova Scotia supported DND Family Days to thank and recognize the important contributions military families make in supporting CAF personnel who serve their country with honour and courage every day.
Graduation Parade – Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program May 27, 2016
The Province of Nova Scotia congratulated graduating candidates from the special three-week program for Aboriginal peoples who are considering a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Candidates were given hands-on experience with military training, careers and lifestyle with no obligation to join the CAF.
Accreditation for the DND 404 Licence April 20, 2016
The Province of Nova Scotia announced that anyone with a current Department of National Defence 404 licence, which is required to operate various military vehicles, will no longer have to take tests to get the equivalent civilian license.
This new, simplified process applies to current military members and military members who have retired within the past three years.
The Army Museum Halifax Citadel to mark the 99th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge April 8, 2016
The Province of Nova Scotia marked the 99th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917, and to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought so bravely and heroically for the freedoms that Canadians enjoy today.
Service men and women will now be able to easily apply their military vehicle qualifications and training in the civilian workforce in Nova Scotia.
25th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait February 26, 2016
The Province of Nova Scotia, joined with the Canadian Armed Forces, in honouring those Canadians who served in the Gulf War on the 25th Anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Operation FRICTION was Canada’s military contribution to the Gulf War and more than 4,000 Canadians served in the Persian Gulf. The ships deployed to the conflict were prepared and departed from Canadian Forces Base Halifax.
Veterans’ Week 2015 Candlelight Ceremony November 5, 2015
Premier Stephen McNeil, as Minister responsible for Military Relations, participated in the Candlelight Ceremony at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial to mark the beginning of Remembrance Day Week. It is a week where all Canadians have the opportunity to stop, reflect and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and democracy.
The Third Book of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony October 23, 2015
Deputy Premier Diana Whalen, on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil, Minister responsible for Military, participated in the dedication ceremony for the Third Book of Remembrance. It honours the soldiers who lost their lives for Canada and commemorates the members of Canada’s Armed Forces from the Halifax Regional Municipality who lost their lives while in service to Canada in 1953.
Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony May 2 and 3, 2015
Events and ceremonies dedicated to the 4,234 Canadian sailors, airmen and Merchant Navy who lost their lives between September 1939 and May 1945 while trying to maintain shipping routes linking North America with Europe during the longest single campaign of the Second World War.
70^th Anniversary of the Netherlands Liberation May 4, 2015
To celebrate the 70^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the special relationship that Canada and the Netherlands enjoy as a result of Canadian forces liberating the people of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in the final months of World War II and hosting the Dutch Royal Family in exile.
Recognition of the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy on the occasion of their 75^th Anniversary May 5, 2015
The Province of Nova Scotia is proud of its rich military history and the Stadacona Band has been an important part of that history. Nova Scotians are proud that the Stadacona Band calls Halifax its home as it represents an important cultural link between the military and civilian communities in the province.
Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command - The Royal Canadian Legion, 51^st Biennial Convention May 17, 2015
Acknowledging the important role that the Royal Canadian Legion plays in advocating on behalf of Veterans and their families.
Naming of one of the AOPS Patrol Ships after William E. Hall, first African Canadian, first Nova Scotian and third Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross June 26, 2015
William Hall was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1859 for his brave conduct and gallantry at Lucknow. He retired in 1876, having reached the rank of Petty Officer, First Class.
Nova Scotia International Tattoo July 2, 2015
Recognizing and celebrating the annual Tattoo as an internationally-renowned event.
5^th Canadian Division Change of Command Ceremony July 9, 2015
Thanking outgoing Brigadier-General Nicolas Eldaoud for his service to 5^th Canadian Division and welcoming Brigadier General Carl Turenne to Nova Scotia.
Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Cadets, Menin Gate at Grand Parade July 9, 2015
A Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Cadets recreating a memorial service that happens every evening at Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
HMCS Acadia Graduation Parade July 30, 2015
Congratulating graduating cadets and commending the staff, volunteers and mentors for their dedication.
Cadet Day October 3, 2015
Young people from across Nova Scotia came to Province House to celebrate Cadet Day. Lt. Gov. J.J. Grant and Ben Jessome, MLA, as well as cadets and guests participated in a flag-raising at Province House to mark the occasion. Nova Scotia has 86 cadet units with nearly 3,500 cadets representing air, sea and army cadets.

Intergovernmental Affairs

Military Relations - Events and Activities

Events

News Releases