Province Seeks Nominations for Order of Nova

TOURISM/CULTURE--Province Seeks Nominations for Order of Nova Scotia

The province is seeking nominations for Nova Scotia's most prestigious award, the Order of Nova Scotia. Premier John Hamm and Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, opened the nominations today in Halifax. Joined by Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman, they also unveiled the insignia of the medal recipients will receive.

"The Order of Nova Scotia will, for the first time, allow us to recognize the outstanding excellence of those individuals who make this province an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family," said Premier Hamm. "There is no other award that recognizes the contributions of Nova Scotians in this way."

The Order of Nova Scotia, established in June 2001, is the highest honour the province can bestow upon its citizens. Recipients will be recognized at a ceremony in the summer of 2002, where they will receive the Order of Nova Scotia medal.

The medal's insignia depicts the province's symbols, including the Shield of Arms, the mayflower -- the province's floral symbol

• and the crown of St. Edward.

"We are fortunate to have so many citizens who have distinguished themselves and brought honour and prestige to our province in many fields of endeavour," said Mr. MacDonald. "Given the endless list of possible candidates, we have not established specific categories in the selection process, and the only path to an Order of Nova Scotia will be through merit."

People nominated may have worked to preserve the cultural identity of their communities. Some may excel in the arts, or in developing the arts. Some might have improved the economic well- being of their communities. Some may be great educators, scientists or health-care innovators. Some may be volunteers who helped the needy or worked to preserve our environment.

An Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Committee has been established to review all nominations and recommend the appointment of members to the order. In the first year, 10 Nova Scotians will be awarded the medal. Every year after that, up to five Nova Scotians will receive the order.

Advisory council members include: Sharon Oliver, chair; Constance Glube, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia; Alison Scott, Clerk of the Executive Council; Sheila Brown, president, Mount Saint Vincent University; James Kinley, former Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia; Lloyd Campbell, Bridgewater; Kell Antoft, Bridgewater, and Eva Landry, St. Peter's.

Brochures detailing information about the Order of Nova Scotia and its nomination process can be picked up at Access Nova Scotia Centres throughout the province. These brochures, which include an application form, are also available at Province House and all MLA and MP offices. The deadline for nominations is March 21, 2002. For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/prot or contact the Protocol Office at 902-424-4463 or [email protected] .