List of lieutenant governors of Nova Scotia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The governors and lieutenant governors of Nova Scotia are important leaders who represent the King or Queen in the province. This special role started way back in 1710. At first, they were called "Governors of Nova Scotia." After Canada became a country in 1867, the title changed to "Lieutenant Governor." Before the British took over Nova Scotia, French governors were in charge. For a time, Cape Breton Island also had its own separate governor.

Early Leaders: Governors of Nova Scotia (1710–1786)
Special Role: Lieutenant Governors of Cape Breton Island (1784–1820)
Leading Nova Scotia: Lieutenant Governors (1786–1867)
Modern Role: Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia (1867–Present)
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Early Leaders: Governors of Nova Scotia (1710–1786)

Before Canada was formed, Nova Scotia was a British colony. The King or Queen of Great Britain appointed a governor to lead the colony. These governors were like the top boss, making sure the King's rules were followed. They helped manage the colony's daily life and its relationship with the British Crown.

Some of the early governors included:

Samuel Vetch (1710–1712): He was the very first British governor of Nova Scotia.
Francis Nicholson (1712–1715): He also served as governor.
Richard Philipps (1717–1749): He had a long term as governor.
Edward Cornwallis (1749–1752): He founded the city of Halifax.
Charles Lawrence (1756–1760): He was another important governor during this time.

These leaders played a big part in shaping Nova Scotia in its early years as a British colony.

Special Role: Lieutenant Governors of Cape Breton Island (1784–1820)

For a period, Cape Breton Island was a separate colony from Nova Scotia. It had its own special leader called a Lieutenant Governor. This role was important for managing the island's affairs directly.

Some of the people who held this position were:

Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres (1784–1787): He was the first Lieutenant Governor of Cape Breton Island.
William Macarmick (1787–1815): He served for a very long time.
George Robert Ainslie (1815–1820): He was the last Lieutenant Governor before Cape Breton joined Nova Scotia again.

In 1820, Cape Breton Island became part of Nova Scotia once more, and its separate lieutenant governor role ended.

Leading Nova Scotia: Lieutenant Governors (1786–1867)

Even before Canada was officially formed, the role of Lieutenant Governor became more common in Nova Scotia. These leaders continued to represent the British monarch. They worked with local councils to govern the province.

Key Lieutenant Governors during this period included:

John Parr (1786–1791): He was the first to hold the title of Lieutenant Governor for all of Nova Scotia.
Sir John Wentworth (1792–1808): He was a well-known figure during his time.
Sir James Kempt (1820–1828): He helped lead the province through important changes.
Sir Peregrine Maitland (1828–1834): Another significant leader.
Sir Colin Campbell (1834–1840): He also served as Lieutenant Governor.
Sir John Harvey (1846–1852): He was a key leader in the mid-1800s.
Sir John Gaspard Le Marchant (1852–1858): He held the position for several years.
Sir William Fenwick Williams (1865–1867): He was the last Lieutenant Governor before Nova Scotia joined Canada.

These individuals helped guide Nova Scotia as it grew and developed, leading up to its entry into the Canadian Confederation.

Modern Role: Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia (1867–Present)

When Nova Scotia joined Canadian Confederation in 1867, the role of Lieutenant Governor continued. Today, the Lieutenant Governor is the King's representative in Nova Scotia. They perform many important duties, like opening new sessions of the provincial legislature and giving royal assent to new laws. They also represent the province at many community events.

Some of the Lieutenant Governors since 1867 include:

Charles Hastings Doyle (1867–1873): He was the first Lieutenant Governor after Nova Scotia joined Canada.
Sir Adams George Archibald (1873–1883): A very important figure in Canadian history.
Malachy Bowes Daly (1890–1900): He served for a decade.
Duncan Cameron Fraser (1906–1910): Another notable leader in the early 20th century.
MacCallum Grant (1916–1925): He held the office during World War I.
John Alexander Douglas McCurdy (1947–1952): He was famous for being a pioneer in aviation.
Myra Freeman (2000–2006): She was the first woman to hold this position in Nova Scotia.
Mayann Francis (2006–2012): She was the first African Nova Scotian to be Lieutenant Governor.
John James Grant (2012–2017): He served before the current Lieutenant Governor.
Arthur Joseph LeBlanc (2017–2024): He is the current Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Michael Savage (2024–Incumbent): The most recent person to take on this important role.