Minister of Military Relations Congratulates Peter MacKay

Murray Scott, Minister responsible for Military Relations, congratulated Peter MacKay today, Aug. 15, on his appointment as Minister of National Defence.

"I cannot think of a more appropriate choice than Mr. MacKay for defence minister," said Mr. Scott.

"The appointment reflects the honoured position that military service has always occupied in Nova Scotia and this province has become a favoured assignment for serving military members, and a welcome home of choice for many of our retired service personnel."

Nova Scotia is Canada's only province to appoint a Minister responsible for Military Relations, and to develop the Defence Forum, an interdepartmental committee charged with working to better understand and respond to the needs of the military, its personnel and its families. It is also the first province to pass legislation to protect the civilian employment and post-secondary education enrolment for reservists on missions with the Canadian Forces.

"I look forward to meeting and working with Mr. MacKay in his new capacity as Minister of National Defence, and working together on matters of mutual interest between the defence and military community and the province of Nova Scotia," said Mr. Scott.