Legislature Passes Unity Resolution

The Nova Scotia legislature has voted unanimously in support of a resolution on national unity, endorsing the Calgary Declaration.

"Today is an historic day," said Premier Russell MacLellan. "We are confirming to our fellow Canadians in Quebec that citizens from coast to coast to coast share a vision of this country which respects equality and diversity, which appreciates that there are many different ways of being a Canadian."

All provinces and territories outside Quebec have now endorsed the declaration's vision of Canada.

In the fall, the leaders of the Nova Scotia's three political parties established an all party select committee on national unity. The committee toured the province, holding public hearings in Halifax, Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Truro, Kentville, Yarmouth, Bridgewater, Dartmouth and Pointe-de-l'Eglise from Dec. 16 to Jan. 21. A total of 385 people responded to the call for comments.

"The response from Nova Scotians was great," said the premier. "Boy scouts, veterans, immigrants, First Nations, Acadians, high school history students and many others came out. They spoke with passion and eloquence about the declaration and about their country."

The end result was a resolution endorsing the Calgary Declaration and incorporating comments from Nova Scotians about the important role of First Nations, Acadians and relationships with the federal government.

"The Calgary Declaration, the consultations in provinces and territories, the words of Nova Scotians, our select committee's report, and this resolution are all steps on a road to a more united Canada."

NOTE: The following is intended for broadcast media

The Nova Scotia legislature has voted unanimously in support

of a resolution on national unity endorsing the Calgary

Declaration.

Premier Russell MacLellan says today is an historic day.

He says we are confirming to our fellow Canadians in Quebec

that citizens from coast to coast to coast share a vision of this

country which respects equality and diversity.

All provinces and territories outside Quebec have now

endorsed the declaration's vision of Canada.