Defence Minister Bill Blair to visit Halifax for Inaugural Halifax International Fleet Week

September 6, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will visit Halifax from September 6-7, 2023. During his visit, the Minister will officially open the inaugural Halifax International Fleet Week and visit Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax.

Halifax International Fleet Week will showcase the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet for Nova Scotians and visitors alike, providing an exciting opportunity for members of the public to meet Canadian Armed Forces personnel. The Royal Canadian Navy is participating in Halifax International Fleet Week by opening ships for public tours, and Canadian Armed Forces information booths will be available to the public. The Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Army, Cadets, and Canadian Coast Guard will also be participating.

Service members from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France will also attend Fleet Week, and participate in various community relations events. The program includes public ship tours, CAF booths, an esprit de corps rugby match, a series of musical performances on the waterfront at Queen’s Marque, and at participating venues in Halifax.

The inaugural Halifax International Fleet Week marks the beginning of Exercise Cutlass Fury. Hosted by the Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, the biennial exercise takes place from September 10 - 22 off the coast of Nova Scotia. This exercise will focus on the inter-operability between allies and joint elements during simulated anti-submarine warfare threats.

September 7, 2023 (all times local)

11:30 am – The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, will join members of the Royal Canadian Navy and other elected officials to officially declare Halifax International Fleet Week open. The ceremony will include a traditional bell ringing. The Minister will briefly scrum with media following the ceremony.

Notes for media:

• Location: HMCS Sackville Jetty, located on the South side of Sackville Landing at 1675 Lower Water St. (Event will be moved Inside the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in the event of inclement weather.)
• Media are kindly asked to arrive no later than 11:15 am.
• Media interesting in participating in the visit can register with Corinne MacLellan at corinne@groupatn.ca

Associated Links

• Halifax International Fleet Week 2023