NOTE: Photos and biographies of the 2016 Order of Nova Scotia recipients are available at http://novascotia.ca/iga/2016recipients.asp.
Five outstanding Nova Scotians, internationally recognized as leaders in their respective fields, have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia.
The announcement was made today, Oct. 12, at the 15th investiture ceremony at Province House in Halifax.
“Every year we honour Nova Scotians who have worked tirelessly to advance the quality of life for others and, in turn, make our province a stronger, more prosperous place to live,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Each member of the Order has demonstrated a wide variety of achievements and has made valuable contributions to our province.”
The 2016 Order of Nova Scotia recipients are:
— Françoise Elvina Baylis, Halifax: Françoise Baylis is a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and is the Canada research chair in bioethics and philosophy. She works with people outside the medical profession to make complex issues such as stem cell research and new reproductive technologies understandable and accessible to the public. Her belief is that citizens belong in the discussion and decision making in the scientific advances that affect our lives
— Freeman Douglas Knockwood, Indian Brook: Elder Doug Knockwood is a loved and respected elder, who has helped his community reclaim its language and culture. He uses his experience of survival and redemption, as well as Mi’kmaq spiritual teachings to empower others and help them overcome addictions
— Arthur Bruce McDonald, originally from Sydney: Arthur McDonald is a teacher, collaborator and Nobel Prize winning astrophysicist. Mr. McDonald received many honours for his science, but he is valued by his colleagues for his vision, leadership and persistence. Throughout his career, he has supervised and mentored the research of more than 100 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates
— James Leonard Morrow, Avonport, Kings County: As artistic director of Mermaid Theatre, Mr. Morrow uses puppets to take Nova Scotia stories to the world. He does it all from performing to carving to stage production and has received acclaim around the world
— Donald R. Reid, Joggins, Cumberland County: Known locally as the Keeper of the Cliffs, Donald Reid has gathered an amazing collection of fossils which now form the heart of the Joggins Fossil Centre. His collection, 70 years in the making, catalogues the world’s most complete fossil record of terrestrial life of the Coal Age dating back 300 million years. His work was essential in securing the Joggins Fossil Cliffs designation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site
The Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council selects recipients for the honour from nominations received from fellow Nova Scotians.
The Order of Nova Scotia was established in 2001 and is the highest honour bestowed by the province. Recipients have the right to use the initials O.N.S. after their names.
Source: Release