Order of Nova Scotia Nominations Sought

Nominations are being sought for the province's highest honour, the Order of Nova Scotia. The nomination deadline for the 2004 selection process is Friday, March 19.

The Order of Nova Scotia recognizes the achievements of people throughout the province who have made an impact on their communities.

"This award is really about people who value people," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Order of Nova Scotia Act. "The Order of Nova Scotia is intended to be a program for and about Nova Scotians. Not only can special people be recognized for what they do, we can all be involved in the process by nominating someone for the honour we think they deserve."

Since its inception in 2001, the Order of Nova Scotia has been awarded to 15 deserving Nova Scotians. During the first and second years, many worthy nominations were received, however only five recipients can be selected each year. Nova Scotians are encouraged to also renominate people they may have previously suggested.

"The last two nomination processes have revealed to us a great number of Nova Scotians who are worthy of receiving the Order of Nova Scotia," said Sharon Oliver, chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council. "We want to remind Nova Scotians to not only nominate someone they feel is deserving, but to also consider renominating someone they may have nominated in the past -- those individuals can, and will, be considered again."

Nominees can cover many categories. They may have worked to preserve the cultural identity of their communities, excel in the arts or in developing the arts. Others might have improved the economic well-being of their communities. Others may be great educators, scientists or health-care innovators. Nominees might also include those who have helped the needy or worked to preserve the environment.

Nomination forms can be picked up at Access Nova Scotia Centres and public libraries throughout the province. They are also available at Province House, at the offices of all MLAs, Nova Scotia MPs and senators, as well as municipal offices. For more information contact the Protocol Office at 902-424-4463, e-mail to [email protected] or visit the website at www.gov.ns.ca/prot/order.htm . The website also includes information on past recipients and the Order of Nova Scotia program.