Nova Scotia Welcomes Ambassadors, Dignitaries From Nearly 50 countries

NOTE: Photos from the meeting on Wednesday, May 6, of ambassadors, high commissioners and provincial ministers and deputy ministers at Province House in Halifax are available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/05/06/ambassadors-dignitaries-visit-nova-scotia

This week, Nova Scotia welcomed a large delegation of ambassadors and high commissioners (heads of mission) representing 46 countries.

The delegation is part of a diplomatic economic mission, one of the largest ever organized in Canada, to Nova Scotia, arranged by the Office of Protocol under Global Affairs Canada.

“We’re honoured to welcome such a large and distinguished delegation of heads of mission from so many diverse countries around the world,” said Barbara Adams, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia. “Nova Scotia has been working hard to let the world know that we’re open for business. We’re thrilled so many countries have expressed an interest in learning more about what we have to offer by coming to Nova Scotia to see for themselves, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together.”

The three-day program began today, May 6, with a roundtable discussion at Province House. Ministers and deputy ministers presented on government priorities in key sectors including energy, critical minerals, defence, technology, fisheries, agriculture, housing and labour market opportunities.

The delegation also met with Mi’kmaw chiefs at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre in Colchester County, and Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, who welcomed them during a special reception at Government House.

The delegation will also visit the COVE and NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic in Dartmouth; and the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, Pier 21, and Port of Halifax/The PIER, as well as the Life Sciences Research Institute, the Aquatron – Canada’s largest university aquatic research facility – and Canadian Battery Innovation Centre, all at Dalhousie University.

They will also participate in a moderated discussion hosted by the Canadian International Council.

Quotes:

“I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to visit the Province of Nova Scotia. Currently Nova Scotia and Mongolia are well connected through mining investment, educational and cultural exchanges. Nova Scotia headquarters Erdene Resource Development Corporation – one of the leading foreign investors in our mining sector. I see immense potential in bridging Nova Scotia’s expertise in clean energy, agriculture, innovation and technology with Mongolia’s vast natural resources, sustainable nomadic culture and young, vibrant population with strong IT capabilities.”
— Ambassador Sarantogos Erdenetsogt, Mongolia

“Coming from Switzerland, a landlocked mountainous country, I enjoy staying in Halifax, with its front open to the sea and friendly atmosphere. I’ve been here several times for the Halifax International Security Forum in November, but it’s the first time in spring. Our bilateral relations rely on deep-rooted people-to-people ties, with an increasing number of incoming tourists. We want to develop further our economic, technological and cultural exchanges, based on our common interests and shared values. I thank the Government of Nova Scotia for its kind hospitality.”
— Ambassador Olaf Kjelsen, Switzerland

Quick Facts:

• the 46 ambassadors and high commissioners (heads of mission) represent nations from four continents: Europe, South America, Asia and Africa
• the diplomatic economic mission to Nova Scotia is taking place May 6-8
• at the meeting on May 6, the Province was represented by: Barbara Adams, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia; Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie; Kim Masland, Minister of Natural Resources; Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Jill Balser, Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions; Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration; Danielle Barkhouse, Speaker of the House of Assembly; Marco MacLeod, Ministerial Assistant for Energy; Jason Hollett, Deputy Minister of Agriculture; Chris Morrissey, Deputy Minister of Growth and Development; and Dana MacKenzie, Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia offshore oil and natural gas: https://novascotia.ca/offshore-oil-natural-gas/

Wind West: https://novascotia.ca/wind-west/

Nova Scotia offshore wind: https://novascotia.ca/offshore-wind/

Nova Scotia critical minerals strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

Nova Scotia proud to defend: https://novascotia.ca/proud-to-defend/

Nova Scotia Seafood: https://nsseafood.com/#close

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.