Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lieutenant-governor's annual New Year's Day Levee is cancelled this year in Halifax.

"With much regret, I am obliged to cancel the upcoming levee that has been hosted by lieutenant governors since before the time my ancestors arrived in Acadia in 1652," said Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc in a news release. "Patsy and I very much look forward to being able to host events again. However, in the meantime, we offer a toast to all Nova Scotians and wish you the very best for a happy and healthy 2021."

In place of the levee, the lieutenant governor will present a video message on Facebook for all Nova Scotians on Dec. 31.

Usually, around 700 people visit Halifax's Government House — North America's oldest vice-regal residence — for the annual levee.

The New Year's Day Levee is a social event hosted by the Governor General of Canada, lieutenant-governors, military establishments, municipalities and other institutions.

Canada's first recorded levee was held on Jan 1, 1646 by Charles Huault de Montmagny, governor of New France.