Order of Nova Scotia Honours Five Outstanding Nova Scotians

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

NEWS RELEASE

Five outstanding Nova Scotians were honoured for their valued contributions in the areas of the arts, medicine, science, business and social issues at a ceremony held today, Nov. 27.

Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, was joined by Premier Stephen McNeil to invest the recipients into the order during the ceremony held at Government House in Halifax.

"It is my privilege to help invest this year's recipients into the Order of Nova Scotia," said Premier McNeil. "Their accomplishments are inspiring to us all, and their work and legacies will continue to inspire all Nova Scotians for generations to come."

The 2013 Order of Nova Scotia recipients are:

-- Mineral and fossil expert, Eldon Thomas George, Parrsboro
-- Businessman, philanthropist, community leader, Fred George, Halifax
-- Distinguished heart surgeon, scientist, innovator, Cecil Edwin Kinley, Halifax
-- Singer and songwriter, Raylene Marguerite Rankin (Anderson), Mabou (posthumous)
-- Peace educator, author, teacher, Hetty (Hendrika) Margaretha van Gurp, Sydney

"These men and women are excellent additions to the order," said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. "They exemplify the depth of talent and leadership in our province, and as we recognize their hard work and dedication, I would like to thank them for making Nova Scotia a better place."

The recipients were selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 100 nominations.

"This year's recipients are very deserving - their community involvement, their philanthropy, and their will to improve the lives of the people in our province speaks volumes," said Viola Robinson, chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council. "We received an overwhelming response for nominations this year. I encourage all Nova Scotians to continue to nominate, and re-nominate people they feel are deserving."

The 2013 recipients were recognized at the 12th investiture ceremony at Government House in Halifax.

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.

NOTE: Photos and biographies of the 2013 Order of Nova Scotia recipients are available at http://novascotia.ca/iga/2013recipients.asp .

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