The Nova Scotia government is introducing legislation to set aside a special day in honour of residents who make a living at sea.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced the Mariner’s Day Act today while speaking at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax.
Under the new act, the second Sunday in August will be known as Mariner’s Day in Nova Scotia.
"The recent tragic loss of five young men aboard the Miss Ally serves as a reminder of the dangers fishers face while supporting their families and communities," said Belliveau.
"Mariner's Day will pay tribute to all men and women who contributed so much to the economic prosperity of this province and who lost their lives in the process. It will give Nova Scotians, from Yarmouth to Cape North, a chance to say thank you to fishers who currently make their living on the water."
The Miss Ally, based in Woods Harbour, N.S., was on an extended trip to catch halibut off southwestern Nova Scotia when its emergency locator beacon transmitted a distress call via satellite late on Feb. 17.
The boat's upturned hull was spotted early in the massive search that followed, but the bodies of the five young crew members were never found.
Phoebe Malone of Yarmouth County started a petition in memory of the five young men aboard the Miss Ally.
"It seems fitting to me that Nova Scotia should have an official day to honour the mariners already lost and to show support for the fishermen and women who earn their living on the sea, as well as their families. All fishermen and mariners across Nova Scotia deserve this,” said Malone.
Belliveau said Mariner’s Day will also help promote safety practices within the fishing industry.
"There is no denying the danger associated with fishing for a living, but we can enhance awareness of safety within the fishing industry. Families can play a big role in encouraging their loved ones to take greater precautions while at sea, ensuring that a crew will return home without suffering an injury or something worse."
