Recipients of 2007 Order of Nova Scotia Announced

An expert in Nova Scotia's agri-food industry, an author and an artist are among the five Nova Scotians be recognized this year for their outstanding contributions and achievements. Premier Rodney MacDonald announced the 2007 Order of Nova Scotia recipients today, Sept. 7.

"This year's recipients represent diverse fields of endeavour and each have made a significant contribution to our province," said Premier MacDonald. "The Order of Nova Scotia is a very prestigious honour and I would like to congratulate and thank each of them for their dedication to our people and to our province."

The 2007 recipients are:

• Joyce Barkhouse, Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co., a renowned children's author and former teacher who has brought Nova Scotia's history alive for children everywhere. Her best-known work, Pit Pony was the basis for a movie and a televison series. It won the first Ann Connor Brimer Award in 1991 for outstanding contribution to children's literature in Atlantic Canada. Three of her works have been named as notable books by the Canadian Library Association.

• Peter Clarke, Woodville, Kings Co., known locally and nationally for his excellence in the agriculture and agri-food industry. He is specifically renowned within the Canadian egg and poultry sector for his work in setting high standards for food safety and has received numerous awards for his work. Mr. Clarke's contributions to the agri-food industry have left a valuable mark of outstanding achievement in the province.

• Thomas De Vany Forrestall, Dartmouth, Halifax Regional Municipality, an influential figure of the visual arts in Nova Scotia. He has served local and regional committees tirelessly and has contributed his time and expertise to a host of cultural and arts organizations. He has produced an impressive body of work in painting in egg tempera and watercolour, drawing and sculpture.

• Flora MacDonald, North Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipalty,(Ottawa) a trailblazer for women in politics, a humanitarian, and a champion of human rights. She was the first woman in Canada to hold the portfolio of secretary of state for external affairs. Through her international humanitarian work, particularly in the areas of human rights, peace, security and social and international development, Ms. MacDonald has made a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world.

• William Stanish, Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality, a world-class orthopaedic surgeon. He has worked with elite athletes beginning with the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and was chief medical officer for the Canadian Olympic teams in 1984 and 1988. Dr. Stanish is a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Dalhousie University. He has contributed to more than 182 publications including co-editing one of the world's major sports medicine texts. His positive attitude in dealing with patients and his ability to sell Nova Scotia have been instrumental in facilitating the recovery of patients and in the recruitment of doctors, coaches and athletes to the province.

The recipients were selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 84 completed nominations received from across the province.

The 2007 recipients will be recognized at an investiture ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Province House.

The Order of Nova Scotia was established in June 2001. Recipients have the right to use the initials O.N.S. after their names.