Nova Scotians Recognized with Order of Canada Appointments
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission extends warm congratulations to Gordon Sinclair Earle, C.M., the Honourable Mayann Elizabeth Francis, O.C., O.N.S., Corinne Etta Sparks, O.C., and Stephanie Nolen, O.C., on their appointments to the Order of Canada announced today.
Together, these distinguished Nova Scotians have made extraordinary contributions to public life in Canada through their leadership in human rights, justice, journalism, public service, and the ongoing pursuit of fairness, dignity and inclusion.
Dr. Gordon Earle holds a singular place in the history of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission as its first employee and Chief Human Rights Officer. He later continued his groundbreaking public service as Nova Scotia’s first Black Member of Parliament.
The Honourable Mayann Francis served as Director and CEO of the Commission beginning in 1999, where she led important work to strengthen public education, improve service delivery, and advance efforts to combat discrimination. She later became Nova Scotia’s 31st Lieutenant Governor, the first African Nova Scotian and second woman to serve in that role.
The Honourable Corinne Sparks transformed Canada’s legal landscape as the first Black judge in Nova Scotia and the first Black woman appointed to the judiciary in Canada. Her landmark legal contributions helped shape national understanding of racial bias and fairness within the justice system.
Stephanie Nolen has distinguished herself internationally through courageous journalism that has exposed inequities in global health, conflict, and social justice. Her reporting has brought international attention to issues of inequality, public accountability, and the lived experiences of vulnerable communities around the world.
On behalf of the Commission, I extend sincere congratulations to these remarkable Nova Scotians. Their recognition reflects lives and careers dedicated, in different but deeply meaningful ways, to advancing justice, equity and human dignity.
The preceding is a message from Joseph Fraser, Director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.