Brig.-Gen. John James Grant Installed as Lieutenant-Governor
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Brig.-Gen. John James Grant (Retired) took the oath of office, today, April 12, as the 32nd lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia since Confederation.
The ceremony was held in the Red Chamber of Province House in Halifax.
Premier Darrell Dexter noted that Lt.-Gov. Grant has the honour of being the first new lieutenant-governor announced during the 60th year of Her Majesty's Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.
"Lt.-Gov. Grant's distinguished military career is a perfect example of devoted service and loyalty to country and Crown," said Premier Dexter. "I wish Lt.-Gov. Grant every success in this new role as the representative of Her Majesty The Queen. I am confident that he will make a great contribution to the province."
Lt.-Gov. Grant retired from the Canadian Forces with the rank of Brigadier-General. At the time of his appointment to the vice-regal office, he was semi-retired, having been working as an accountant for Hector Building Supplies/Century Construction Ltd. He continued to be active in his community through volunteer work with various non-profit organizations and with retired service personnel.
"I will dedicate my tenure as lieutenant-governor to those who serve their fellow citizens -- service in the broadest meaning of the word," said Lt.-Gov. Grant. "From the members of Her Majesty's Canadian Forces who defend and protect our country, the police and peace officers who keep The Queen's peace, and the veterans who have given so much, to those who render voluntary services at the community level and provincewide.
"Moreover, we must not forget the many people who serve in a wide variety of professional, vocational and business fields who ensure the viability of our province."
A musical presentation in his honour was performed by Reeny Smith, who sang I Believe. Ms. Smith is the recipient of the Portia White Prize for excellence in vocal performance and was chosen to represent Nova Scotia at the 2011 Canada Games.
After the ceremony, the Camerata Xara Young Women's Choir also performed a selection called Morning Tide. The choir was formed in 2008 by conductor Christina Murray and has performed to sold-out halls of up to 500 people and received critical acclaim.
On Feb. 16, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of Brig.-Gen. Grant as the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia since Confederation, succeeding Mayann Francis.
Lt.-Gov. Grant was born in New Glasgow. He and his wife Joan have four children and five grandchildren.