NEW GLASGOW – A local physician who became Nova Scotia’S 25th premier will be officially bestowed with the Order of Canada this week.
Seventy-two-year-old John Hamm was one of 19 officers announced last December who will receive the prestigious honour during an investiture ceremony Friday in Rideau Hall. Governor General Michaelle Jean will preside over the ceremony that will also see the Order of Canada given to four companions and 30 members.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since it’s creation, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
Hamm was a family doctor in Stellarton and president of the Nova Scotia Medical Society. He entered politics in 1993, serving as MLA for Pictou Centre. He was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1995 and elected premier in 1999, winning 30 of the 52 seats in the provincial legislature. He returned as premier in 2003 election with a minority government.
The local politician announced his retirement from politics in 2005 and was succeeded the next year by Rodney MacDonald. As premier he championed a variety of health care initiatives, as well as a strong fiscal management. He also helped to resolve long-standing issues over provincial offshore oil and gas royalties. He served as co-chair of the year-long celebrations that marked 250 years of democracy in Canada, and continues to administer a related fund that supports youth organizations.
He is currently chair of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada, a federal regulatory agency that oversees laws regarding fertility treatments.
Other officers receiving the Order of Canada include NHL player and owner Mario Lemieux, former federal NDP leader Alexa McDonough and musician Burton Cummings.
john hamm brought order to nova scotia it is fitting that he receive the order of canada