These are the 10 people appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia this year

Former Nova Scotia premier John Hamm looks out to the crowd during a tribute to Hamm at the Nova Scotia Conservative Leadership Convention in Halifax, N.S. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2006. (CP PHOTO/Darren Calabrese)

Former premier Dr. John Hamm and musician Matt Minglewood are among those being appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia in 2026.

Ten Nova Scotians are being recognized for their significant contributions to the province in 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 10 newest members on Friday.

“These remarkable individuals have each enriched our province through exceptional leadership, service and achievement,” said Savage.

“Their dedication has strengthened our communities, inspired countless others, and helped shape a stronger, more vibrant Nova Scotia for generations to come.”

These are the 2026 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia:

• Robert Bennett of New Glasgow: social services leader recognized for advancing inclusion, employment opportunities and community participation for people with diverse abilities
• Wadih Fares of Halifax: businessman, engineer and philanthropist recognized for contributions to economic development, immigration, health care and community organizations

• Dr. John Hamm of Stellarton: 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 of Dartmouth: academic and community leader recognized for advancing health equity, education and opportunities for Black and African Nova Scotian communities
• L. Jane McMillan of Antigonish: legal anthropologist and educator recognized for advancing Indigenous rights, justice and reconciliation through research, education and community collaboration

• Matt Minglewood of 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 of Halifax: an activist, community builder and historian recognized for advancing human rights and preserving the history of Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ2+ communities
• Judge Corrine Sparks of Dartmouth: a jurist, legal educator and community leader recognized for advancing equity and human rights and contributions to Nova Scotia’s and Canada’s legal profession

• Alan Syliboy of Millbrook: a 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 of Black Point in the Halifax Regional Municipality: a 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.

Hamm, who served as Nova Scotia’s 25^th premier from 1999 to 2006, died on July 12 at the age of 88.

The appointees will be officially invested into the Order of Nova Scotia during a special ceremony at Government House in Halifax in the fall, when Savage will present them with their insignia and appointment scroll.

The government says the order is the highest honour in the province, with 146 people invested since it was established in June 2001.

A total of 10 people can be appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia each year.

The lieutenant-governor makes the appointments based on the recommendations of an independent advisory council.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Sean Mott

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