Nova Scotia Celebrates Europe Day

Nova Scotia celebrated Europe Day with a flag-raising event at Province House in Halifax today, May 9.

Minister of Community Services Kelly Regan, on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil, and European Union Ambassador to Canada, Peteris Ustubs, raised the flag in recognition of the annual May 9 observance by the European Union recognizing the peace and prosperity within Europe since formation.

“Nova Scotia has a close cultural and business relationship with Europe,” said Ms. Regan. “We join in today’s celebration with our European friends and look forward to strengthening our relationship.”

In advance of the current trade mission to Europe, Premier McNeil launched the Nova Scotia-Europe Strategy. The strategy focuses on four areas, leveraging trade agreements, promoting Nova Scotia’s strengths, building relationships and aligning our common interests.

"It is a great honour and privilege to raise the flag of the European Union in Halifax. For all of us Europe Day is a reminder of where we started, what we achieved and what we stand for,” said Mr. Ustubs. “Nova Scotia and Europe’s common history and DNA goes a long way back and I believe our ties will only get stronger.

"Trade, under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, will undoubtedly be one of the cornerstones of this common future."

In 2018, exports of goods from Nova Scotia to Europe stood at $597 million, of which $516 million were destined for the European Union. Top exports were seafood, forest products, fruit and machinery. Last year, the province also welcomed 67,000 visitors from Europe.