‘This is quite an honour’: Pictou County’s Bennett, Hamm appointed to Order of Nova Scotia

Summer Street Industries CEO Bob Bennett is one of 10 new appointees to the Order of Nova Scotia. Photo by Angela Capobianco /New Glasgow NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Two renowned Pictou County men have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLt.-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. Article contentArticle contentThe 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. Article contentArticle contentBennett 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.Article contentBennett 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.Article content“This is quite an honour,” Bennett said.Article content“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.Article content“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.”Article contentArticle contentHamm, 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.Article content Dr. John Hamm, Nova Scotia’s 25th premier, has been posthumously appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. Photo by Eric Wynne /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentArticle contentHamm 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.Article contentHe 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.