The Honourable Stephen McNeil, M.L.A. Premier of Nova Scotia

March 24, 2016

Mr. Stéphane Ouellette
President and Chief Executive Officer
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project
906-470 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa ON K1R 7W9

Dear Mr. Ouellette:

Thank you for your letter and for sharing with me the background on the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project.

The Province of Nova Scotia has a deep appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made in service to our country.  As the Minister responsible for Military Relations, I want to acknowledge the important role that your initiative plays in honoring the memory of those lost in recognizing the service and risks taken by those who crewed the cargo ships which supplied Europe during the Second World War.  The Merchant Navy played a vital role in the Allied success and the fight for freedom.

In an effort to raise awareness of the memory of the 2,200 known Canadian Merchant Seamen and 91 Canadian vessels lost in enemy action, the province of Nova Scotia will declare September 3, 2016, as Merchant Nay Day.  Hopefully, this gesture will play a small part in forever remembering those men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Canada.

Thank you again for your letter.

Sincerely,
Honourable Stephen McNeil, M.L.A.

Premier of Nova Scotia