Premier Calls for Recognition for Port-Royal

Premier Stephen McNeil is urging the CBC to set the record straight on Port-Royal’s place in Canada’s history as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

The first episode in the CBC series Canada: The Story of Us portrays the country's first permanent European settlement as Quebec in 1608, though Port-Royal, now Annapolis Royal, is widely accepted as the site of the first settlement in 1605.

"We can trace the founding of Canada back to 1605 in Port-Royal, when Grand Chief Henri Membertou greeted the first European settlers here in peace and friendship,” said Premier McNeil.

"This omission overlooks the collective early history of our province and country, including the fundamental contributions of the Mi’kmaq and Acadians. It needs to be corrected."

Premier McNeil, West Nova MP Colin Fraser, Annapolis Royal Mayor Bill MacDonald, and Timothy Habinski, warden of the Municipality of Annapolis County, have written a joint letter to CBC president Hubert Lacroix asking for another episode to be added to the series to reflect Port-Royal’s significant place in Canada’s history. The letter also asks for an apology to the people of Nova Scotia, including the Mi'kmaq, the Acadians and the citizens of Annapolis Royal.