Order of Nova Scotia Celebrates 10 Years

NOTE: A social media release with high-res photos and video of the Order of Nova Scotia investiture ceremony will be available later today at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-11-30-NS-Order/.

The Order of Nova Scotia is celebrating 10 years of honouring Nova Scotians who have brought honour and prestige to the province.

The 10th Order of Nova Scotia investiture ceremony took place today, Nov. 30, at Province House.

"The order is a special way to recognize the heroes and role models that make our province a better place everyday," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Order of Nova Scotia recipients have created meaningful change that inspires us all to be better and do better. For that, I thank the members of the order for their contributions to the province and congratulate the order on a successful 10 years."

Since its creation, 61 members have been invested into the order. Of these, four received the honour posthumously and 10 have since passed away, leaving 47 living members of the order.

Recipients represent a number of cultures, backgrounds and occupations including Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian activists, writers, artists, medical professionals, business leaders, politicians and philanthropists.

The 2011 recipients are the first African Nova Scotian MLA Wayne Adams, business leader Sir (Judson) Graham Day, political cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon, Mi'kmaq rights advocate Joseph Benjamin Marshall, and author Budge Wilson.

"Order of Nova Scotia recipients come from all walks of life and are positive role models for youth in our province," said Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis. "This year's recipients are no exception. They have made resourceful, creative and innovative contributions to the province and are excellent additions to the order."

Nova Scotia continues to have one of the highest rates of nominations in the country. This year the recipients were selected from 76 nominees.

"The fact the participation in the nomination process continues to be so high speaks to the community spirit of Nova Scotians," said Viola Robinson, chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council. "This participation has been integral in the Order of Nova Scotia's success over the past 10 years, and I believe the continued support of Nova Scotians will make the next 10 years just as successful."

Nominations are submitted until the third Friday in March every year. Nova Scotians can complete new nomination packages, or renominate by completing a new application form and photocopying a previous nomination package. Once submissions are closed, the Order of Nova Scotia advisory council reviews all the nominations and selects the recipients.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/iga/order.asp.

The Order of Nova Scotia was established in June 2001 and is the highest honour bestowed by the province. Recipients have the right to use the initials O.N.S. after their names.