News release

Order of Nova Scotia Recipient Viola Robinson

Premier's Office

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Order of Nova Scotia Recipient Viola Robinson New Chair of Advisory Council


Viola Robinson has been appointed the new chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council Premier Darrell Dexter announced today, Jan. 17.

"I congratulate Ms. Robinson on becoming the new chair of the advisory council," said Premier Dexter. "I know her dedication and leadership will be a strong addition to the advisory council and the Order of Nova Scotia program."

Ms. Robinson is from Truro and has been a longtime advocate for Mi'kmaq people and the advancement of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Nova Scotia and Canada. She contributed to the development and implementation of the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process which is designed to address Mi'kmaq social, legal and political issues between the federal and provincial governments.

Her dedication to her fellow Mi'kmaw has led to many positive changes within First Nations communities. Ms. Robinson received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2009.

Ms. Robinson takes over for Sister Dorothy Moore who served as chair for three years.

"I want to thank Sister Dorothy for her commitment and contributions over the past three years and wish her the best in the future," said Premier Dexter.

The premier also announced the addition of two advisory council members, who will help review the nominations and select Order of Nova Scotia recipients.

Ray Ivany has been president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University since April 2009. Originally from Sydney, Mr. Ivany was previously chair of the Workers' Compensation Board and principal of the consulting firm Ivany and Associates. Between 1998 and 2005, he was president and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and, prior to that, served as executive vice-president at the University College of Cape Breton, now Cape Breton University.

Mahmood Naqvi of Sydney has been highly involved in the improvement of health care in Cape Breton. Dr. Naqvi was instrumental to the opening of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and helped develop an intensive care unit at the former Sydney City Hospital. He served as co-chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and helped consolidate the services of Sydney City and St. Rita's hospitals into a regional facility.

"Mr. Ivany and Dr. Naqvi are both welcome additions to the council," said Premier Dexter. "Working together, the advisory council will select Nova Scotia's finest citizens for this prestigious award."

Returning members of the advisory committee are Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, Executive Council Clerk Greg Keefe, Joseph Hickman, Helen MacDonald and Irene Swindells.

The Order of Nova Scotia is the province's highest honour.

The nomination deadline for the 2011 Order of Nova Scotia is Friday, March 18. For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/iga/order.asp .