Watch out Halifax: The Brits are Coming

Next week is a big week for the UK in Canada as we’re launching a “Pop-up” Consulate in Halifax.

“What is a Pop-up Consulate?” you may well ask. Well, since we don’t have a permanent consulate in the Atlantic Provinces, we’re setting up a temporary office, at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site itself, which will serve as a hub for a week-long series of events, all designed to highlight the extensive connections between the UK and Atlantic Canada, and to foster the political, business, and community links between Atlantic Canada and the UK.

It’s going to be a really exciting week with loads going on, as you can see from the full public schedule. But highlights include: bringing a trade delegation of 30 representatives from 20 British companies; free public tours of the Citadel highlighting the UK-Halifax connection; running panel discussions on marine energy, and on Canada–UK trade; consular open houses for British Nationals, and for people interested in coming to study in the UK; a British film screening of “The Selfish Giant”; a “Royal  connections” art exhibition; and all culminating in a British Re-invasion at the Lower Deck Historic Properties where great local bands will compete playing British cover songs, and raising funds for charity.

The UK-Halifax historical connections are already very strong, and we want to make them even stronger.

A few “Halifacts”: did you know that Halifax was founded in 1749 by the Honorable Edward Cornwallis of England? And in 1866 Britain agreed to lease Point Pleasant Park to Halifax for 999 years. The cost? 1 shilling a year!; Halifax is named after the British Earl of Halifax, and the UK has its own Halifax, in my home county of Yorkshire – which was once the heart of England’s wool industry. Sir Samuel Cunard is, of course, one of Halifax’s famous sons. His legacy lives today through the Southhampton-based Cunard line. And we even share our weather – Halifax has an average of 171 wet days per year – London averages 109. Either way, we’re used to relying on umbrellas!

I personally can’t wait to come back to Halifax – it’s where my family and I first landed in Canada nearly 3 years ago, before a memorable vacation on the beautiful Prince Edward Island. I’m looking forward to getting to know the City and the legendary Haligonians even better. So please do come and join us for a GREAT British week!

For our adventures in Halifax and by using #UKinHfx.

Also, follow me on twitter @CorinRobertson and the high commission @UKinCanada.