Nova Scotia is Ready

After years of planning, developing and promoting, the province of Nova Scotia is ready for this year's Acadian celebrations and the Congrès mondial acadien 2004.

"Nova Scotia is about to welcome a huge reunion of Acadians from around the world," said Premier John Hamm. "We're ready to host one of the most significant events in the 400 years of Acadian history in this province."

Premier Hamm attended an event marking the upcoming celebrations today, May 26, in Halifax. He was joined by representatives from the provincial, federal and municipal governments, along with representatives from Acadian organizations, sponsors and tourism organizations. The gathering was held at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and included a multimedia presentation, Acadian exhibits and displays and a performance by the award-winning Acadian musical group, Blou.

"This is a celebration of partnership and support in preparing the province for one of the most exciting and fun summers in many years," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "As a result of all of the hard work, we can now say that Nova Scotia is ready and is the premier destination to experience Acadian culture and history."

More than 250,000 people are expected to visit the province this summer for the Congrès mondial acadien, taking place throughout Nova Scotia from July 31 to Aug. 15.

"This event is sure to focus the spotlight on Nova Scotia and demonstrate to the world the great contributions that the Acadian community has made to the economic, social and cultural development of this province," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister responsible for Acadian Affairs.

The 2004 edition of the Congrès is particularly special since it celebrates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the French to North America. It is the first time many Acadians will have visited the birthplace of Acadia since their ancestors settled in Nova Scotia generations ago.

"It is gratifying to see the partnership and support from governments and from the private sector in preparing for this summer," said Allister Surette, chair of the Congrès mondial acadien 2004. "With all the major events put together, the Congrès will be the biggest cultural event ever held in Nova Scotia."

Family reunions are the basis of Congrès mondial acadien 2004. About 95 families are expected to be involved, ranging in size from 200 to 7,000 participants per family. In total, 65,000 family members are expected to participate in reunions. The Congrès has been named the top event in Canada for 2004 by the American Bus Association.

Tall Ships Challenge 2004, the fourth visit of the tall ships to Nova Scotia, also takes place this summer during the Congrès and is specially themed A Salute to l'Acadie.