Бывший премьер-министр Джон Хамм и руководитель Summer Street Industries Боб Беннетт удостоены высшей награды Новой Шотландии

'This is quite an honour': Pictou County's Bennett, Hamm appointed to Order of Nova Scotia Former premier Dr. John Hamm and Summer Street Industries CEO Bob Bennett receive Nova Scotia's highest honour NEW GLASGOW – Two renowned Pictou County men have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, announced Aug. 14 that Robert (Bob) Bennett and the late Dr. John Hamm were among the 10 new members. The Order of Nova Scotia is the province’s highest honour, with 146 people invested since its establishment in 2001. It encourages excellence by recognizing Nova Scotians for outstanding contributions or achievements. Members have distinguished themselves in many fields, including the arts, human rights, public service, health, and education. Bennett is the chief executive officer of Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow, an organization focused on the development of its clients, which creates and facilitates opportunities one person at a time. Clients are allowed to work within several different areas with the goal of gaining employment in their community. Bennett was appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia as a renowned social services leader, recognized for advancing inclusion, employment opportunities, and community participation for people with diverse abilities. “This is quite an honour,” Bennett said. “It was a bit of a surprise, and I was speechless, though I was told that isn’t uncommon. Folks don’t usually know, as the decision to appoint someone to the order is done discreetly. “It’s really a testament to this organization and what it has accomplished over the last 40 years. I love the work I do here with the people at Summer Street, and have benefited from so many amazing boards and leadership, who have all been mentors to me over the years. This honour really recognizes the importance of meaningful change in our society, in terms of how we view and build partnerships with people with diversabilities.” Hamm, a Stellarton native, former MLA for Pictou Centre and Nova Scotia premier, was recognized for his contributions to public service, health care, education, and the province’s economic and fiscal development. It was under his administration the order was created. - Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia - Cape Breton's Matt Minglewood among recipients of Order of Nova Scotia for 2026 - Advertisement 1Story continues below Hamm served the people of Pictou County for over 30 years as a family physician. His long involvement in the medical field included being the president of medical staff at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow and chairing the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation. He began his political career in 1993 as MLA for Pictou Centre before becoming leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1995. He was elected as the 25th premier of Nova Scotia in 1999 and re-elected in 2003. Hamm died on July 12. He was 88. “I’m especially happy to see former premier John Hamm and Bob Bennett recognized, two proud residents of Pictou County,” Premier Tim Houston said in a Facebook post on Aug. 14. “Bob has put so much energy into making Summer Street what it is today, and our community is so grateful for it. Premier Hamm dedicated his life to public service both as a doctor and later as MLA and premier. It was under premier John Hamm’s government that the Order of Nova Scotia was first created in 2001. His appointment into the Order of Nova Scotia was well overdue.” Bennett and Hamm will be officially appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia during a special ceremony at Government House in Halifax this fall. “This is an award for the work, but I’m just the figurehead of the amazing community group that makes everything happen,” he said. “I am 69 years old and have no immediate plans to retire at all, as I just want to continue doing what we do here. Our province has chosen to invest a significant amount of money towards making things better for people with diversabilities, which is just fantastic, and we are all eager to collaborate with our government to make this happen. Nova Scotia has the potential to have something that is the envy of the rest of the world, and I’m excited to see that happen.” Order of Nova Scotia Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage announced the 2026 Order of Nova Scotia recipients on Aug. 14. They are: Robert Bennett, New Glasgow. Wadih Fares, Halifax. Dr. John Hamm, Stellarton. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dartmouth. L. Jane McMillan, Antigonish. Matt Minglewood, Glace Bay. Lynn Murphy, Halifax. Judge Corrine Sparks, Dartmouth. Alan Syliboy, Millbrook. Shelly Whitman, Black Point, Halifax County.