2005 Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

A public administrator, a musician, and a World War II veteran are among five Nova Scotians being recognized this year with the Order of Nova Scotia. The 2005 recipients were announced today, Sept. 21 by Premier John Hamm.

"This year's recipients are representative of the diversity of talent and excellence in this province," said Premier Hamm. "The Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour awarded by this province. These recipients have brought honour and prestige to themselves, their communities, and our province through their contribution to the cultural, social and economic well-being of our province."

The 2005 recipients are:

• Constance Glube, Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, has been a pioneer in the field of law. She was the first female justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and when she was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, she was the first woman in Canada to be named to this position. She served as chief justice from 1982 to 1998. From 1998 to 2004 she was the chief justice of Nova Scotia and chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Nova Scotia. A judicial leader and mentor who has won the admiration and respect of her peers, she has been active in the areas of judicial education and administration.

• Rita MacNeil, Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, has recorded more than 20 albums, set sales records and had top-10 hits in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Order of Canada, holds honourary degrees from five universities and has won numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, Junos and East Coast Music Awards. Ms. MacNeil is an entrepreneur, television host, author and cultural ambassador for Nova Scotia.

• Theresa McNeil, Upper Granville, Annapolis Co., is a role model, not only for her 17 children, but also for women in adversity everywhere. After the sudden death of her husband and with seven children under 10 years old at home, Ms. McNeil entered the workforce for the first time. She became high sheriff of Annapolis County, the first woman in Canada to be named to the position. She has volunteered for many community causes including the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis and Alzheimer's societies and Meals on Wheels. She continues to volunteer in the gift shop at Soldier's Memorial Hospital in Middleton for the ladies auxiliary.

• Cyril Reddy, New Glasgow, Pictou Co., was instrumental in the development of the Department of Community Services. He was the regional administrator of Community Services and executive director of the Children's Aid Society in Pictou County. His sense of fairness and compassion for people extended to such causes as Christmas Daddies and the fund to assist families of the victims of the Westray mine disaster. Mr. Reddy died on Oct. 5, 2004.

• Jack Yazer, Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, is a successful businessman, World War II veteran, community activist and tireless volunteer. He was the founding chairman of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation which raised funds for Cape Bretons first regional hospital. Through his work with young people in the province he was instrumental in establishing the province's graduated licence program, and championed the Youth Speaks Up program which helps Grade 6 students cope with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, racism and peer pressure.

The recipients were selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 109 nominations received from across the province.

The 2005 recipients will be recognized at an investiture ceremony at Province House in Halifax on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

The Order of Nova Scotia was established in June 2001. Ten people were selected as inaugural members in 2002, with no more than five people being selected as recipients in the following years. Recipients have the right to use the initials O.N.S. after their names.