Knockwood Appointed Sergeant-at-Arms

Noel Raymond Knockwood has been appointed sergeant-at-arms for the nation's oldest House of Assembly, and will formally commence his duties with the opening of the Nova Scotia legislature on Monday, March 27.

"Mr. Knockwood has served his province, with distinction, in times of war and peace for many years," said Premier John Hamm in confirming the appointment on Wednesday, March 22. "His commitment to his province, his integrity, and his respect for others is an example for all Nova Scotians."

Mr. Knockwood was selected and recommended to the Speaker as the unanimous choice of an all-party committee of the House. The position was publicly advertised.

Mr. Knockwood was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in the army in Korea as a senior non-commissioned officer and as a drill instructor. He has been awarded the United Nations Medal, the Korean War Medal, and the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal.

He is to be honoured by the National Aboriginal Veterans Association this June. In 1991, he was honoured with the Meritorious Award for Human Rights by the province of Nova Scotia.

A member of the Indian Brook First Nation, Mr. Knockwood is a captain of the Grand Council of the Mi'kmaq Nation, and serves as Spiritual Leader. He has been a strong advocate for the aboriginal community.

He has also served as an addiction counselor, and as special advisor for Corrections Canada.

Mr. Knockwood has been appointed for a five-year term and will receive an annual stipend of $17,000.