Nominations Sought to Recognize Outstanding Nova Scotians

The province is asking people to nominate, or re-nominate, candidates for Nova Scotia's highest honour.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Order of Nova Scotia. Members of the Order are invested for making significant and lasting contributions to their community.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 21.

"The Order of the Nova Scotia is the highest honour the province can bestow on someone. It is a symbol of respect and gratitude for the tremendous contributions of our most exemplary citizens," said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia. "I encourage people to nominate someone for the Order, and am happy to note that re-nominations have also been very successful."

Since its creation in 2001, 72 recipients have been invested into the Order, including five last year.

"Each year, we have the pleasure of recognizing the work, art, and achievements of some of our most outstanding citizens," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "The Order demonstrates how the passion and dedication of one individual, regardless of their career or field, can make our communities, and our province, a better place."

Past recipient Viola Robinson of Yarmouth was invested into the Order in 2009. A celebrated and respected leader in Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaw community, her work to end systemic discrimination has spanned decades and includes advocating for changes to sections of the Indian Act that discriminated against Aboriginal women.

"Receiving the Order brought so much pride, joy and dignity to my life and created an awareness about the Order of Nova Scotia that I never knew," Ms. Robinson. "There is a great need to continue the practice of nominations so those who are deserving can share in the joy of celebrating the recognition of their accomplishments."

Nomination forms are available at all Access Nova Scotia centres, Province House, offices of members of the legislative assembly, Nova Scotia members of Parliament and the Senate, and municipal offices.

People re-nominating, can submit a photocopy of the previous nomination package, with a new nomination form.

For more information, contact the Protocol Office at 902-424-2467, e-mail orderofns@gov.ns.ca or visit www.novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp .