Jubilee Art Piece Unveiled at Province House

Premier John Hamm and Murray Scott, Speaker of the House of Assembly, marked the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at ceremonies in Halifax today, May 16.

The Golden Jubilee flag was raised on the south lawn of Province House. The flag was produced by Heritage Canada and incorporates the Canadian emblem for the Jubilee, which was unveiled in February. The flag will fly at Province House until sunset on Victoria Day, Monday, May 20.

Premier Hamm said the flag symbolizes the Queen's representation for the past 50 years.

"The Queen -- our Queen -- represents a Commonwealth based upon enduring freedoms, remarkable diversity and a tradition of lasting peace. She represents, in an extraordinary way, the values we share," said Premier Hamm.

The premier, Mr. Scott and Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman also unveiled an art piece commissioned specifically for the Golden Jubilee. The traditional Greek earthenware cup was created by Tracy Van de Wiel of Antigonish, who is a student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Ms. Van de Wiel's creation was chosen from six student submissions for its relevance to the Jubilee themes and her use of Nova Scotia materials.

"This piece is special not only because it commemorates the Queen's 50-year anniversary, but also because of the significant tie the college has with the monarchy," said Mr. Scott.

The college was founded by Anna Leonowens in 1887 in celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The school was originally called the Victoria School of Art and Design and was located on the site of what is now the Bank of Nova Scotia building on Hollis Street. The school officially became the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1969.

Mr. Scott said the Jubilee cup will serve as a lasting legacy to the Queen's Golden Jubilee and will reside at Province House on a permanent basis for all to enjoy.