Nominations for the 2000 Order of Prince Edward Island are now being accepted by the Order of Prince Edward Island Advisory Council. The Order was established in 1996 and is the highest Provincial honour the Province can bestow. It is awarded annually to Prince Edward Islanders (or former long term residents) who, in the opinion of an independent Advisory Council, have distinguished themselves through contributions to the social, economic and/or cultural life of P.E.I. and it's people.
Members of the Order of Prince Edward Island are as follows: Hon. Marion Reid, CM; Dr. George Dewar, CM; Mr. Ulric Poirier; Mr. Jim Hogan (deceased); Dr. Kent Ellis; Reverend Charles Cheverie; Helen Stewart MacRae; Sister Mary Deighan; Charles Linkletter, CM (deceased); Antoine Richard, CM; Marie Burge; Marlene Bryenton; Edith Eldershaw; Dr. J. Hubert O'Hanley; Paul H. Schurman, CM; Hon. Gilbert R. Clements, Chancellor.
Leone Bagnall, CM, Chair of the Order of Prince Edward Island Advisory Council, said that "The Order of Prince Edward Island is a way of encouraging and acknowledging the outstanding achievements of individual citizens of the Province. Individuals (or organizations) wishing to nominate someone should be aware that nominations are now being received by Charles MacKay, Secretary of the Council. The deadline for nominating a person for consideration for the honour is March 21, 2000. After the close of nominations, the Advisory Council will consider all nominees and make its determination with respect to recipients for 2000. The legislation under which the Council is created and authorized to function states that no more than three individuals shall be invested in any one year...so the Council, I am sure, will be faced with some very difficult decisions to make!"
Those chosen to receive the honour will be presented with insignia of the Order, an impressive medal incorporating the Prince Edward Island Coat of Arms and a certificate of inclusion. A special ceremony is hosted by the Honourable Gilbert R. Clements, Lieutenant Governor, as Chancellor of the Order at which recipients are formally invested.
Mrs. Bagnall added that "If you know of someone who has shown individual excellence or leadership in the community, or in their chosen profession or occupation, this represents an opportunity to have them considered for special honour and recognition....it is a special act of appreciation to nominate someone you believe is deserving of such a special honour. All too often the extraordinary efforts of Prince Edward Islanders go unnoticed."
For more information on the Order of Prince Edward Island or how to nominate someone please contact Charles MacKay, Secretary, Order of Prince Edward Island Advisory Council at (902) 368-5970, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8, or see internet address www.gov.pe.ca/orderofpei/.