News release

2023 Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

Lieutenant-Governor

NOTE: Biographies and photos of the recipients are available at: https://novascotia.ca/iga/2023recipients.asp


This year’s five Order of Nova Scotia recipients have made their mark in diverse fields, including the arts, journalism, health equity research and education.

Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, released the names of the order’s newest members today, October 4.

“On behalf of the King and all Nova Scotians, it is my great pleasure to approve the 2023 appointees to the Order of Nova Scotia,” said Lt.-Gov. LeBlanc. “These individuals have made extraordinary and long-standing contributions to their professions and communities, benefiting fellow Nova Scotians and Canadians.”

The 2023 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia are:

  • Phil Comeau, Saulnierville and Moncton: filmmaker and screenwriter; recognized for preserving and promoting Acadian culture
  • Jacqueline Gahagan, Halifax: health equity researcher; recognized for contributions to healthcare, health policy development, child welfare, women in sports and HIV/AIDS research
  • Bruce Guthro, Sydney Mines: singer and songwriter; posthumously recognized for contributions to the music industry, Canadian culture and philanthropy
  • Sylvia D. Hamilton, Grand-Pré: professor, filmmaker, writer, journalist and educator; recognized for capturing and preserving the experiences of African Nova Scotians
  • Stephen Kimber, Halifax: writer, journalist and educator; recognized for representing Nova Scotia in the national press and mentoring several generations of journalists.

An investiture ceremony will be held at Government House on November 9, when Lt-Gov. LeBlanc will present the new members with their insignia and appointment scroll.

Quick Facts:

  • the Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour in the Province of Nova Scotia, recognizing people in many fields of endeavour who have distinguished themselves and made lasting contributions
  • 125 members have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia since it was established in June 2001
  • appointments to the order are made by the lieutenant-governor on the recommendation of an independent advisory council

Additional Resources:

More information on the order and nomination forms are available at: https://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp