Nominations Sought to Honour Outstanding Nova Scotians

Nova Scotians are asked to nominate, or re-nominate individuals deserving of the Order of Nova Scotia, the province's highest honour.

Nominations for the Order will be accepted until Friday, March 18. Recipients of the Order are chosen for making significant and lasting contributions to their communities.

"As the highest honour our province can bestow, the Order of Nova Scotia exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding contributor to the life and being of Nova Scotia," said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia. "All Nova Scotians, especially our young people, need to see that a life committed to excellence and service to others can create a tremendous benefit for the whole province."

Since its creation in 2001, 82 recipients have been invested into the Order, including five last year.

"There are very deserving people who dedicate their lives to making a difference in our communities and our province," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "The Order is a wonderful way of recognizing these individuals and thanking them for their efforts."

Past recipient Dr. Margaret Casey of Halifax was invested in 2015. She is a health-care provider, educator and a community advocate.

"There are so many people in this province who have done such amazing things," said Dr. Casey. "We all are rooted in our day-to-day work, to have that work appreciated by your fellow Nova Scotians in this way is just a huge honour."

Sharon Irwin of Sydney was also invested in 2015. She was recognized for the years she devoted to ensuring child care is inclusive, affordable, accessible and comprehensive.

"It meant something personally. It meant something professionally. And it meant something to the advocacy community," said Ms. Irwin. "I am still thrilled to be included in this group of amazing Nova Scotians."

Nomination forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, Province House, offices of members of the legislative assembly, Nova Scotia members of Parliament and the senate, and municipal offices and online at http://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp.

Those wishing to re-nominate an individual 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 or visit http://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp.