Nominees Sought for 2007 Order of Nova Scotia

A poet, a retired colonel and community volunteer are among the those who have been recognized and honoured for their contributions to their communities. And it's time for more deserving Nova Scotians to join the list.

People across Nova Scotia are reminded to nominate or renominate, someone who has made a significant contribution to their community for the 2007 Order of Nova Scotia. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 16.

"Since 2001, when the Order of Nova Scotia began, there have been 35 very deserving people inducted," said Len Goucher, Minister responsible for the Order of Nova Scotia Act. "I encourage Nova Scotians to nominate someone they feel has made a significant contribution to their community."

In the past, five recipients were selected each year by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council, which is made up of community representatives from across the province.

"Each year the quality of the nominations we receive makes choosing five a difficult task," said Sharon Oliver, chair of the advisory council. "Their communities are stronger and more vibrant as a result of the hard work of the nominees. We want to remind Nova Scotians they can renominate someone who was nominated in the past -- they will be considered again."

Nova Scotians can be nominated for several reasons. They may work to protect human rights or preserve the cultural identity of their communities. They may be teachers, community leaders or inventors. Others might include peacekeepers, communicators or those who work to preserve the environment.

Nomination forms can be picked up at Access Nova Scotia centres throughout the province. They are also available at Province House, at the offices of all members of the legislative assembly, Nova Scotia members of parliament and senators, as well as municipal offices.

For more information contact the Protocol Office at 902-424-4463, e-mail [email protected] or see the website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/prot/order.htm .