Clarke Responsible For Year of the Veteran

Premier John Hamm announced today, March 6, the appointment of Cecil Clarke as Minister responsible for the Year of the Veteran in Nova Scotia.

"Mr. Clarke has a personal interest in paying tribute to the men and women who surrendered their own safety to ensure the safety of others," said Premier Hamm. "Like many Nova Scotians, his late grandfather was a veteran who served in the Netherlands with the Cape Breton Highlanders during the Second World War. Mr. Clarke is aware of the challenges faced by our veterans and the value of educating our children on a past that should not be forgotten."

Mr. Clarke is an active supporter of community development initiatives and has a keen interest in veterans affairs. This appointment will be an opportunity for Mr. Clarke to engage Nova Scotians in a year of remembrance.

"It is important that we take this opportunity to salute our veterans and to remind ourselves of their sacrifices in service to our country," said Mr. Clarke. "Throughout the year, Nova Scotians will celebrate, commemorate, honour and realize the significance of remembrance. I am honoured by this appointment."

Recently, Mr. Clarke met with Albina Guarnieri, federal Minister of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Guarnieri expressed interest in meeting local veterans and will visit the province in the near future.

Nova Scotia is developing a program of activities focussed on the Year of the Veteran and Mr. Clarke will work the Nova Scotia standing committee on veterans affairs to encourage Nova Scotians to make the act of remembrance more than a one-day event.

The government of Canada declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of Canada's veterans. This year is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.