Nova Scotia Pride Shines in Vancouver, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Premier Darrell Dexter.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, I had the honor and privilege to celebrate Nova Scotia Day with thousands of people from around the world.

I am in Vancouver representing Nova Scotia's interests, introducing our province to the world and helping showcase how Nova Scotia, a small province of less than a million people, is doing its part to help build an even stronger, unified Canada.

The support the Nova Scotia delegation has received since coming to Vancouver has been simply overwhelming. No matter where we go or what we do, people know we are from Nova Scotia and they are excited to meet us, participate in our activities, and hear about what it is like to live in our province. People from the four corners of the world have stopped us on the street to say hello, to ask for a photo with us, and to find out where they can get one of our fine Nova Scotia tartan scarves.

Atlantic Canada House, shared among the four Atlantic provinces, has been named the number three "must-see" pavilion at the Games.

At the opening of Atlantic Canada House, Nova Scotia's own Sarah Conrad was invited on stage where she received a standing ovation and best wishes from the crowd.

Thousands of visitors are streaming in and out of Atlantic Canada House, taking in the best that this region, and Nova Scotia, has to offer. So rarely do we get an opportunity to show off our province to such a large audience eager to learn more.

Having Nova Scotia present in Vancouver during the Olympic Games is the biggest opportunity that our province has ever had to meet leaders and influencers from around the world. There are many opportunities to capitalize on here and let me assure you that I am doing just that.

Several major firms have sought out the Nova Scotia delegation to discuss business opportunities, with many more meetings planned in the coming days. With thousands of businesses present at the Games, the opportunities for attracting companies to Nova Scotia are plentiful.

The spirit of Nova Scotia is alive in Vancouver. One of the proudest moments I've had since becoming the Premier of Nova Scotia was standing at a podium in front of media from around the world, telling the Nova Scotia story and seeing first-hand how the media and visitors here are embracing that story.

I can tell you that people here, people from every corner of the earth, are excited that Nova Scotia is at the Games and they are even more excited that we are sharing with them a glimpse into our lives and what it truly means to be a Nova Scotian.

When the Olympics are over and the thousands of people here return to their respective homes, I know that many of them will never forget that there is a progressive province on the east coast of Canada that welcomes investment, values good ideas, builds for success, and works hard to make sure that all Nova Scotians have the life they deserve.