Nova Scotians can watch history in the making through a live webcast when Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, addresses members of the House of Assembly on Monday, Oct. 20.

It will be the first time a Chief Justice of Canada addresses members of a provincial legislative assembly.

Ms. McLachlin is visiting Nova Scotia as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of representative government in Nova Scotia and Canada's first parliamentary democracy.

Alfie MacLeod, Speaker of the House of Assembly, said the Chief Justice's visit highlights the significance of this special anniversary year. "We can be proud that Nova Scotia laid the foundation upon which Canada's democratic institutions have been built," he said.

"The judiciary is an integral part of our democracy, ensuring the rule of law is upheld and our peace and security protected," said Democracy 250 co-chair John Hamm. "It is an honour to have the Chief Justice of Canada participate in our celebrations and to speak of the pioneering role Nova Scotia played in making Canada one of the most admired and respected nations in the world today." 

The Chief Justice's remarks will be broadcast live at 2 p.m. on the Nova Scotia government website http://gov.ns.ca/legislature/HOUSEBUSINESS/legislativetv.html.

Media Contact: Moira MacLeod
               Democracy 250
               902-424-1122
               E-mail: macleoml@gov.ns.ca