Deadline Approaches for Order of Nova Scotia Nominations

TOURISM/CULTURE--Deadline Approaches for Order of Nova Scotia Nominations

The March 21 deadline is fast approaching for nominations for the Order of Nova Scotia. The order is the highest honour of the province and recognizes the achievements of deserving people throughout Nova Scotia.

"We encourage all Nova Scotians to play a major role in this process by identifying and nominating these very special people for the honours they deserve," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We have received a great deal of interest from across the province, however, we need to receive completed nomination forms."

Nominees may have worked to preserve the cultural identity of their communities. They may excel in the arts or in developing the arts. Others might have improved the economic well-being of their communities. Others may be great educators, scientists or health-care innovators. Nominees may be also volunteers who helped the needy or worked to preserve the environment.

The Order of Nova Scotia was established in 2001, and in 2002, the inaugural ten recipients were selected from over 200 nominations. This year, no more than five people will be selected by the Order of Nova Scotia advisory council.

A committee reviews all nominations and recommends the appointment of members to the order. Advisory council members include: Sharon Oliver, chair; Constance Glube, chief justice of Nova Scotia; Alison Scott, clerk of the Executive Council; Sheila Brown, president, Mount Saint Vincent University; James Kinley, former lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia; Lloyd Campbell and Kell Antoft, Bridgewater, Queens Co.; and Eva Landry, St. Peter's, Richmond Co.

Brochures about the order and the nomination process can be picked up at Access Nova Scotia Centres throughout the province. The brochures, which include an application form, are also available at Province House and all MLA, MP and senator offices, as well as municipal offices and public libraries. The deadline for nominations is March 21. For more information contact the Protocol Office at 902-424-4463 or orderofns@gov.ns.ca or visit the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/prot .