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.

“As the province’s highest honour, I encourage our citizens to nominate their fellow Nova Scotians who through their tremendous efforts have improved the lives of others, or who have excelled in their respective fields,” said Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia. “Appointment to the Order of Nova Scotia is a wonderful opportunity to recognize such worthy individuals.”

Any Canadian citizen who is at 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 councillors, 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.

Nomination forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, Province House, MLA and MP offices in Nova Scotia, municipal offices, and online at www.novascotia.ca/orderofnovascotia.

Nominations will be accepted by mail, fax, or email. Those wishing to re-nominate an individual can submit a photocopy of the previous nomination package, with a new nomination form.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 16. 

The Lieutenant Governor is the Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia. The Chief of Protocol for Nova Scotia is the Secretary of the Order and is responsible for the handling of all nominations.