2026 Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

News release

2026 Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

14 August 2026 | 11:01 AM

Lieutenant-Governor

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Order of Nova Scotia recipients are presented a medal in the form of a stylized mayflower, the provincial flower, with the shield of arms of Nova Scotia under a crown. (Office of the Lieutenant-Governor / File)

NOTE: The recipients’ bios are available at: https://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp

Ten Nova Scotians have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia, recognizing their significant contributions to the province in a diverse range of fields, including the arts, human rights, public service, health and education.

Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, released the names of the order’s newest members today, August 14.

“On behalf of His Majesty and the people of Nova Scotia, I am honoured to announce this year's appointments to the Order of Nova Scotia. These remarkable individuals have each enriched our province through exceptional leadership, service and achievement,” said Lt.-Gov. Savage. “Their dedication has strengthened our communities, inspired countless others, and helped shape a stronger, more vibrant Nova Scotia for generations to come.”

The 2026 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia are:

Robert Bennett, New Glasgow – social services leader; recognized for advancing inclusion, employment opportunities and community participation for people with diverse abilities

Wadih Fares, Halifax – businessman, engineer and philanthropist; recognized for contributions to economic development, immigration, health care and community organizations

Dr. John Hamm, Stellarton, Pictou County – physician and former premier; recognized for contributions to public service, health care, education, and Nova Scotia’s economic and fiscal development (posthumously)

Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dartmouth – academic and community leader; recognized for advancing health equity, education and opportunities for Black and African Nova Scotian communities

L. Jane McMillan, Antigonish – legal anthropologist and educator; recognized for advancing Indigenous rights, justice and reconciliation through research, education and community collaboration

Matt Minglewood, Glace Bay – musician and songwriter; recognized for his contributions to Nova Scotia’s music and cultural identity and his longstanding support of communities and charitable causes

Lynn Murphy, Halifax – activist, community builder and historian; recognized for advancing human rights and preserving the history of Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ2+ communities

Judge Corrine Sparks, Dartmouth – jurist, legal educator and community leader; recognized for advancing equity and human rights and for her ground-breaking contributions to Nova Scotia’s and Canada’s legal profession

Alan Syliboy, Millbrook – Mi’kmaw visual artist, author, musician and Elder; recognized for his contributions to Indigenous art, cultural preservation and the promotion of Mi’kmaw language, history and traditions

Shelly Whitman, Black Point, Halifax Regional Municipality – humanitarian, scholar and community leader; recognized for advancing children’s rights and international peace, and efforts to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

An investiture ceremony will be held at Government House in Halifax in the fall, when Lt-Gov. Savage will present the new members with their insignia and appointment scroll.

Quick Facts:

the Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour in the Province of Nova Scotia, recognizing people in many fields of endeavour who have distinguished themselves and made lasting contributions

146 members have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia since it was established in June 2001

recent amendments to the Order of Nova Scotia Act and regulations increased the maximum number of annual appointments to 10

appointments to the order are made by the lieutenant-governor on the recommendation of an independent advisory council

Additional Resources: More information on the order and nomination forms are available at: https://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp

News release – Eligibility for Order of Nova Scotia Expands: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/03/04/eligibility-order-nova-scotia-expands

Order of Nova Scotia Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/order%20of%20nova%20scotia.pdf

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

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