Nova Scotia Legislature Honours Sheldon Kennedy

Premier MacLellan hosted veteran NHL player Sheldon Kennedy today at Province House to congratulate Mr. Kennedy on his efforts to raise public awareness of child abuse. In support of Mr. Kennedy's Skate Across Canada, Premier MacLellan announced that the Government of Nova Scotia will be making a financial contribution of $10,000 on behalf of the children of the province.

"Supporting children and families is a priority for my government," said Premier MacLellan. "By supporting Mr. Kennedy we are listening to the voices of the children of Nova Scotia who have enthusiastically embraced Mr. Kennedy's mission."

Mr. Kennedy, 28, played with NHL teams in Detroit, Calgary and Boston. In January 1997, he ended years of silence when he told of being sexually abused by his junior hockey coach. The revelation led sports organizations, government and parents to re-examine the role athletics play in children's lives.

Now, he is on a four-month, 8,000-kilometre journey across Canada aimed at leading a grassroots movement to raise awareness and understanding of the issue of child abuse. At the same time, he hopes to raise funds to support a ranch in British Columbia where abused children from all across Canada will receive medical and psychological care.

Members of the Nova Scotia legislature today also unanimously passed resolutions praising Mr. Kennedy.

A resolution introduced by the premier called on the House of Assembly to "commend Mr. Sheldon Kennedy for his courage and candour, and express to him on behalf of the people of Nova Scotia our appreciation for the benefits we all gain from his efforts."

Also passed by the House was a resolution from Community Services Minister Francene Cosman that congratulated Mr. Kennedy for his efforts and to "remind all Nova Scotians of their duty and obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect to a child welfare agency."

And a resolution from Robbie Harrison, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission thanked Mr. Kennedy for his courage and acknowledged "the many ways in which this initiative has promoted positive action to eliminate abuse."