Celebrating the people, places and events that shaped Nova Scotia.

Heritage Day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and learn more about the stories that define the province we know today.

Observed on the third Monday of February, Heritage Day is a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia.

Since it began in 2015, Heritage Day has recognized a different honouree each year – a person, place or event that highlights an important aspect of Nova Scotia’s history. The honouree for 2026 is Joseph Willie Comeau.

Senator Joseph Willie Comeau

Joseph Willie Comeau (1876–1966) devoted his life to public service and to strengthening Acadian life in Nova Scotia. Raised in Digby County and educated at Collège Sainte-Anne, he worked across education, business and politics, guided by a deep commitment to community, culture and service.

Over nearly five decades in the Nova Scotia Legislature and the Senate of Canada, he consistently used his voice to support Acadian language, education and cultural expression, earning lasting respect for his leadership and integrity.

Learn more about Joseph Willie Comeau.

Sénateur Joseph Willie Comeau

Joseph Willie Comeau (1876-1966) a consacré sa vie au service public et à l’essor de la communauté acadienne en Nouvelle-Écosse. Ayant grandi dans le comté de Digby et fait ses études au collège Sainte-Anne, il a œuvré dans les domaines de l’éducation, des affaires et de la politique, animé par un engagement profond envers la communauté, la culture et le service.

Pendant près de six décennies passées à l’Assemblée législative de la Nouvelle-Écosse et au Sénat du Canada, il s’est fait le défenseur de la langue, de l’éducation et de l’expression culturelle acadiennes, démontrant ainsi les qualités de leadership et d’intégrité qui lui ont valu le respect durable de ses concitoyens.

Apprenez-en davantage sur Joseph Willie Comeau.