Nominations are open for The Order of Nova Scotia award. Nominations are accepted throughout the year but the deadline for consideration is the third Friday of April.
What is the Order of Nova Scotia:
The Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour of the Province of Nova Scotia. Established in 2001, it encourages excellence by recognizing Nova Scotians for outstanding contributions or achievements. Members of the Order of Nova Scotia have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavour and have brought honour and prestige to themselves and to Nova Scotia.
Who is eligible:
Any Canadian citizen who is a present or former long-term resident of Nova Scotia is eligible for nomination to the Order. The only exceptions are public officials (such as members of the Senate, MPs, MLAs, municipal councilors, or judges), who may not be nominated while they are in office. The Order may be awarded posthumously, if the person is nominated within one year of their death. Only individuals may be nominated, not couples, groups, or organizations.
How to nominate:
If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life or the social or economic well-being of the province, you should consider nominating him or her for the Order of Nova Scotia. It is a special way to honour an individual you respect and admire. Fields of endeavour recognized by this honour include the arts, academics, research, agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, public service, and volunteer service.
If you would like to nominate someone for this award, you can do so by downloading and completing the nomination form here.
After you have filled in the form, it needs to be sent to the Province of Nova Scotia Protocol Office, along with information supporting your nomination. A checklist on the back of the form outlines what is required. You must ask at least three other people to write letters supporting your nomination; however, only one form is required for each person nominated.
Letters of support should be addressed to:
Dr. Christopher McCreery, MVO
Executive Director – Protocol and Honours Secretariat
Secretary of the Order of Nova Scotia
5251 Duke Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1P3
How recipients are chosen:
Nominees are chosen by an independent group called the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council. The council recommends the appointment of members to the Order each year after considering all nominations received. There are no fixed quotas or categories, but a maximum number of six appointments will be made each year. If a sixth recipient is chosen, that recipient must be between the age of 16-25 years.