Province Announces Celebrating Communities Conference Award Finalists

NOTE: A list of award finalists follows this release. Complete profiles can be found at http://celebratingcommunities.ca/winner.php .

Blend the passion of Nova Scotia's best communities with the excitement of their community builders and you have the ingredients for this year's Celebrating Communities Awards nominees.

Eighteen finalists have been selected from 37 entries in six categories focusing on community achievement. The vibrant community leaders will find out who wins at the Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together, in Truro Sept. 23-25.

"Developing the community leaders of tomorrow and nurturing the strength of today's leaders is cause for celebration of these nominees," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "We must sustain and recognize the achievements of our communities and people that are moving us toward a more prosperous future."

Well known CBC news personality Ian Hanomansing will host the awards ceremony and deliver a keynote address.

"We were delighted to see such a large and diverse number of nominations and finalists who really demonstrate community leadership," said Jim Ellsworth, regional director of the National Crime Prevention Centre and member of the judging panel.

"The opportunities and learning that will result from the conference are invaluable and build a stronger Nova Scotia for our families and communities," said Jim Stanley, principal of the NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus and member of the judging panel.

Amie LeBlanc of the Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council, Canso, said the group is thrilled to be nominated and chosen as a finalist.

"We have worked hard to become known in Nova Scotia and nationally for our work with youth that contributes to a safe and thriving community," said Ms. LeBlanc, chair of the youth council.

The Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards showcases best practices to build sustainable communities and a prosperous future for Nova Scotia. The awards celebrate growing together for community excellence and recognizes Nova Scotians across cultural, social, economic and environmental sectors.

For more information about Celebrating Communities and for early registration, visit http://celebratingcommunities.ca/winner.php .

The 18 award finalists and categories are:

Excellence in Youth Leadership:

• Conseil Jeunesse Provincial de la Nouvelle-Ecosse
• Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council, Canso
• Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance

Outstanding Volunteer Achievement:

• David Harris, entrepreneur and volunteer with Community Business Development Corporation Yarmouth
• Murray Hill, chair of the Pictou Regional Development Commission
• Peter Herbin, Wolfville Business Development Corporation

Innovation in Community Development:

• Action for Neighbourhood Change, United Way of Halifax, Spryfield Dartmouth North-HRM
• Baie Sainte-Marie Spoken word Festival Project, Societe acadienne de Clare
• Unama'ki Student Firewood, Chapel Island First Nation, Cape Breton

Excellence in Community Development

• Caisse populaire de Clare
• Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development
• Westfield Community Centre Society, Southwestern Valley Region

Excellence in Collaboration

• Guysborough County District RCMP
• The Community of St. Andrews, Antigonish Co.
• Women Unlimited, Southwestern Valley Region

Excellence in Client Service

• Bonnie Anderson, Halifax Regional Municipality
• John Dobrowolski, Halifax Regional Municipality
• New Ross Family Resource Centre, Lunenburg Co., Honourable Mention
• Ron Levy, Pictou Co., Honourable Mention