Veterans, students, MLAs, MPs and senators, members of the judiciary and the military gathered at Province House today, May 23, as Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons, paid tribute to Nova Scotia for introducing parliamentary democracy to Canada.

Mr. Milliken, with Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, Nova Scotia's three party leaders and Cecil Clarke, Speaker of the House of Assembly, kicked off next year's 250^th anniversary celebrations of Canada's first representative government at a two-hour ceremony in the legislative chamber.

The ceremony, which included the pipes and drums of the 78^th Highlanders and songs by the Pictou District Honour Choir, focused on the importance of democracy and the valuable contribution of Canada's military men and women to protect our freedoms.

Democracy 250 co-chairs, former premiers Russell MacLellan and John Hamm, Mr. Milliken and Lt.-Gov Francis unveiled the symbol to promote next year's celebrations.

In his keynote address to the legislature, Mr. Milliken said Nova Scotia's role in establishing Canada's first parliamentary democracy was one of many pioneering achievements for the province. He said, beyond establishing Canada's first representative government, Nova Scotia lead the way for freedom of the press and responsible government. The federal speaker also used the occasion to highlight the need for greater voter participation.

"I am so proud to be here at the launch of the Democracy 250 initiative, especially so, as this is not just a Nova Scotian story but is one of national significance," Mr. Milliken said. "It also comes at a time when attention cries out to be given to participation in the democratic process, meaning, at the very least, exercising the right to vote."

Mr. MacLellan and Dr. Hamm, said planning for next year's celebrations has begun with event focal points being schools, local heritage sites, legions and community halls. Mr. MacLellan said the Democracy 250 Committee wants to involve as many Nova Scotians as possible in the celebrations.

"We hope to actively engage young and old, everyone from boy scouts and girl guides to members of our Rotary and Kiwanis clubs," Mr. MacLellan said.

Dr. Hamm added that a key objective of the committee is to convey to Nova Scotians, particularly young Nova Scotians, why it is so important to vote.