The following is being distributed at the request of His Honour, the Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Individuals to be Invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the names of the latest exemplary individuals chosen for induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s inductees are Bridget Foster, Dr. Jane Stuart Green, General Rick Hillier, Margaret Kearney, Colleen Kennedy, Gilbert Linstead, Sara Rita Sexton, and Kevin St. George. Short biographies of these individuals are provided in the backgrounder below.

“It is my privilege to announce the names of the most recent inductees to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said His Honour. “They represent extraordinary strength, conviction and perseverance and I look forward to joining them at the induction ceremony coming up in February.”

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest honour of the province. It recognizes individuals who have shown excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefitting the province and its residents in an outstanding manner. The first investiture took place in 2004.

“I am always amazed by the level of excellence shown by recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and this year is certainly no exception,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Each a leader in their chosen field, these individuals embody the true values of the Order – dedication, excellence and achievement. On behalf of my government and all residents of the province, I offer my sincere congratulations to this year’s inductees on this great honour.”

The investiture ceremony will take place at Government House in early February.

Members of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador are selected by an advisory council following the review of all nominations received. Nominations for the next induction may be made until January 31, 2014. Any person or group may nominate an individual for recognition by the Order.

For more information, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/onl. 

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BACKGROUNDER
Individuals Selected for Induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

Bridget Foster
For over 30 years, Bridget Foster has dedicated her life to advocating for thousands of immigrants to this province. From her days as a volunteer with the Friends of Refugees until her recent retirement from the role as Executive Director of the Association for New Canadians, Mrs. Foster’s commitment to immigrants has never wavered. She remains at the forefront of immigration today, working tirelessly to improve their lives through creative and innovation programming; with her work being recognized at the local, national and international level.

Jane Stuart Green. B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.d., F.C.C.M.G., F.C.A.H.S.
Dr. Jane Green’s tireless dedication and commitment to healthcare, specifically her research in the genetics of families at high risk for bowel cancer, has undoubtedly prevented much suffering and saved many lives. As a front-line researcher, she has remained focused on documenting hereditary diseases in the Newfoundland and Labrador population and promoting their genetic analysis. She has provided outstanding service to the province and has been instrumental in laying the strong foundation upon which the research in human genetics at Memorial University is built.

General Rick Hillier (retired), O.C., C.M.M., M.S.C, C.D.
Known as one of Newfoundland Labrador’s best known sons, Rick Hillier is an internationally-respected military leader and one of the country’s most esteemed and influential public figures. Born in Campbellton, Notre Dame Bay, he has had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces spanning three decades and culminating with his appointment as Chief of Defence. General Hillier has been recognized many times with military awards as well as others for his excellence and achievement as a soldier and a leader who has represented himself, his home and his country with honour.

Margaret Kearney
A beacon of the tourism industry, Margaret Kearney was instrumental in enticing foreign writers from all over the world to come and experience Newfoundland and Labrador. A true trailblazer, she can be credited with transforming a once feeble industry of less than 50 boarding houses into the thriving hospitality home industry that today supports the province’s tourism industry. Her national and local radio participation, her story telling and her desire to build and enrich the tourism industry all speak to a woman who truly loves and believes in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Colleen Kennedy
Colleen Kennedy’s vision, integrity and determination have been instrumental in the success of the Gros Morne Cooperating Association (Friends of Gros Morne), which has become recognized as one of the province’s leading social-entrepreneurial groups. Through her remarkable skill for building capacity through cooperation, she has been instrumental in ensuring that the successes of the Gros Morne National Park were also the successes of the surrounding communities. Her contributions to the people and communities of western Newfoundland have helped secure employment and vibrancy this part of the province.

Gilbert Linstead
Through his lifelong business leadership, Gilbert Linstead has made a tremendous contribution to the vibrant economy of this province, and in particular, to Labrador. Mr. Linstead not only lead the establishment of the L’Anse au Loup community council, but was also instrumental in the foundation of the Eagle River Credit Union. In addition, there is no doubt that his skillful management of the Labrador Fisherman’s Union Shrimp Company has reaped numerous benefits and brought tremendous services to coastal Labrador.

Sara Rita Sexton
Sara Sexton epitomizes the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador through her strength and courage, her ability to lead by example and her determination to overcome tragedy and do great things in the face of dire circumstances. As the mother of the late entertainer Tommy Sexton, Mrs. Sexton spoke publically about gay right and HIV/AIDS. She became the face of the disease in this province through her work as an HIV/AIDS public speaker, providing education in high schools, social clubs and churches. She continues to deliver the same message of hope through her community volunteerism today.

Kevin St. George, P.Eng., F.E.I.C.
Kevin St. George has been named a recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for his significant impact on the City of Corner Brook and surrounding areas through his extensive volunteer work and business contributions. Mr. St. George recognized the important of creating a vibrant community with opportunities for individuals and businesses to build a future for their families and organizations. This is evident through his roles with the Deer Lake Airport Authority and the Corner Brook Port Corporation as well as work with the Royal Canadian Legion, Victorian Order of Nurses, and countless other service organizations

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