Prominent scholar, former chief justice among 2024 Order of Nova Scotia recipients

When Afua Cooper received a call last week telling her she is one of this year's Order of Nova Scotia recipients, she said she screamed out in happiness. 

Cooper had been nominated in March by a staff member in her research project A Black People's History of Canada, which explores the African diaspora to the country and their legacy. But when she didn't hear anything, she figured she wasn't a recipient.

As a Black immigrant woman born in Jamaica, she said this is a way forward for other people who, much like her, faced adversity when coming into the country. 

"I wasn't satisfied in just coming to Canada and being an immigrant. I wanted to know what made this country tick," Cooper said. "And I felt one way to do so was through studying its history, and what a treasure trove it is.

"For me, it was a personal journey and I'm glad if I inspire others on their personal journey, too."

Cooper is one of five people who were appointed for their contributions in their respective fields, including academia, public service and philanthropy.

Nova Scotia's lieutenant-governor Mike Savage announced the names Monday. They are: 

• Afua Cooper, for her contributions as a historian, author, academic and Halifax's poet laureate. 
• J. Michael MacDonald, for his service as Nova Scotia's chief justice and dedication to public service and the legal profession.
• Allan Marble, for his work as a bioengineer and president of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia.
• Joseph Shannon, for his philanthropy and entrepreneurship. 
• Robert Sobey, for his support for the arts and philanthropy.

A formal ceremony will be held at Government House this spring. 

'Honour of a lifetime' 

MacDonald said this was "the honour of a lifetime."

As the former chief justice, he said his career has been dedicated to the service of Nova Scotians, which included challenges such as chairing the Mass Casualty Commission in 2020. 

"To be recognized in this way by the province I love and the province I grew up in is truly a great honour and I share it with my wife who has supported me throughout the entire," he said. 

He said he planned to celebrate the achievement with his grandchildren.