Lifetime Achievement Award Celebration by Department of Justice
A Matter of Equality
The Hon. Donald Oliver’s autobiography, A Matter of Equality: The Life’s Work of Senator Don Oliver, was released on Sept. 28 by Nimbus Press. This long-awaited book examines the legacy of the first man, and the second Canadian, to bring the Black experience directly to the Canadian Senate. Below are numerous links and letters about the launch of this book.
Don Oliver’s ‘A Matter of Equality’: The Epitome of ‘Ubuntu’
Senator Oliver was recently featured in the Policy Magazine: Canadian Policy and Public Policy. Published in October 2021 by Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate. Read the details.
Feature in The Grapevine
Senator Oliver was recently featured in the February 2022 issue of The Grapevine, an arts and culture paper covering the Annapolis Valley, N.S. Read the interview.
Medals and Awards
Member of the order of Canada
Recipient Order of Canada, a trailblazer who has enriched the lives of others and made a positive difference to Canada. Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. This honour is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall but for the first time in the history of Canada, the event was held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic
Description
The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), surmounted by the Royal Crown. It is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus, and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent viscous enamel.
The design of the insignia of the Order of Canada dates from 1967 and is credited to Bruce Beatty, CM, SOM, CD. The technical drawings used by the Royal Canadian Mint in this new generation of the insignia were developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority at the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The insignia is manufactured by the Mint at its Ottawa facility. The ribbon of the Order is white, 38 mm wide, with red edges (9 mm).
Learn more: Order of Canada video
Recipient Order of Nova Scotia, the provinces highest honor, which recognizes outstanding citizens for making significant and lasting contributions to their communities.
Established in 2001, the Order of Nova Scotia is a single class Order awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have distinguished themselves by an outstanding contribution to the cultural life or to the social or economic well-being of the province, by an outstanding achievement or by excelling in any field of endeavor to the benefit of the people of the province and elsewhere.
Appointments to the Order was made by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Advisory Council of the Order of Nova Scotia.
Learn more: Photos Gallery
The Order of Nova Scotia
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Recipient of The Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province and demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their profession.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal (Provincial) commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second to the Throne as Queen of Canada. While no national medal was created on this occasion, several Canadian provinces created their own Royal commemorative medal, uniform in design, scope and intent and aligned with previous national programs for such anniversaries. The medals are administered by the various provinces which created them, namely Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Description
A circular medal, silver in colour and 32 mm in diameter, bearing:
- On the obverse, a contemporary crowned effigy of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada, facing right, circumscribed with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA” and “CANADA”, separated by small maple leaves.
- On the reverse, the shield of the awarding province surmounted by the Royal Cypher, on either sides of which appear the dates “1952” and “2022”, the provincial flowers appear on either side of the shield and, in the base, are inscribed the words “VIVAT” and “REGINA” meaning “Long Live The Queen”.
A 12 mm ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The ribbon is 32 mm in width with a white stripe in the centre, 2 mm in width, on each side of which are red stripes, 3 mm in width, followed by white stripes, 10 mm in width and blue edge stripes, 2 mm in width. This ribbon is a variation of the 1953 Coronation Medal, 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal and 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbons.
Learn more: Photos Gallery
The recipient made significant contributions to Canada and an outstanding achievement that has brought great credit to Nova Scotia. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Description
A circular medal, silver in color and 32 mm in diameter, bearing:
- On the obverse, a contemporary crowned effigy of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada, facing right, circumscribed with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA” and “CANADA”, separated by small maple leaves.
- On the reverse, a diamond-cut field, on which is superimposed a lozenge inscribed with the Royal Cypher, placed on four maples leaves, incorporating the dates “1952” and “2012” at the sides and, in the base, two scrolls bearing the words “VIVAT” and “REGINA” respectively.
A 0.5 inch (12 mm) ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The ribbon is 32 mm in width with a red stripe in the center, 2 mm in width, on each side of which are white stripes, 3 mm in width, followed by red stripes, 10 mm in width and blue edge stripes, 2 mm in width. This ribbon is a variation of the 1953 Coronation Medal, 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, and 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal ribbons.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal
The Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal commemorates the 50th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second to the throne. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Description
A circular gold-plated bronze medal, 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter, with a thin raised edge.
On the obverse, Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the King George IV State Diadem, facing right, circumscribed with the inscriptions "QUEEN OF CANADA" , "REINE DU CANADA".
On the reverse, the design of a stylised maple leaf with “CANADA” at the bottom and the years “1952” and “2002” on the left and right of the Royal Cypher and Crown.
A 0.5 inch (4 mm) gold ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through smaller ring attached to the top of the medal.
The colour of the ribbon is royal blue, with red outer stripes, double white stripe, and a red central stripe. This ribbon is identical to its British counterpart and is a variation of the 1953 Coronation Medal and the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal ribbons.
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal commemorates the 25th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second to the throne. National organizations in every important field of endeavour — including the professions, education and arts, veterans' groups, sports associations, philanthropic and charitable bodies, and welfare services — were asked to participate in submitting nominations. All members of the Order of Canada, Order of Military Merit, and recipients of the Canadian Bravery Decorations received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Description
The circular silver medal, 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter, has a thin, smooth raised rim.
On the obverse, Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, wearing the high Imperial State Crown. The inscription around the rim reads “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF”.
On the reverse, a large stylized maple leaf with “CANADA” around the top rim and “1952 EIIR 1977” in small lettering around the bottom of the rim. The “EIIR” has a small crown on top. In very small letters above and between the “EIIR” and “1977” is the word “HUNT” (for the designer of the medal Dora de Pedery-Hunt).
A 0.5 inch (12 mm) silver ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The ribbon has a watered white colour (representing the silver), with cardinal red edge stripes. The middle is garter blue, with a cardinal strip running through its centre. This ribbon is identical to its British counterpart and is a variation of the 1953 Coronation Medal ribbon.
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
Senate of Canada ‘s 150th Anniversary Medal
Description
The commemorative medal award was in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Senate of Canada's first sitting. Awarded for those actively involved in their communities who, through generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work, make their hometowns, communities, regions, provinces or territories a better place to live.
The medal was awarded for making a significant contribution to fellow citizens, my community, and to Canada. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Description
The medal is circular in form, made of copper and zinc alloy, rhodium-plated (appears bright silver), and is 1.42 inches (36 mm) in diameter.
- on the obverse, The Royal Cypher (EIIR) surmounted by a crown superimposed on a large single maple leaf, circumscribed with the legend “CONFEDERATION CONFÉDÉRATION” and the dates “1867 – 1992” at the bottom.
- on the reverse, the shield of arms of Canada encircled by the motto ribbon of the Order of Canada (which contains the words “DESIDERANTE MELIOREM PATRIAM”) ensigned by the central portion of the crest of Canada (a crowned lion holding a maple leaf in the right front paw) and circumscribed with the motto “A MARI USQUE AD MARE” at the bottom.
A claw at the top of the medal attaches to a straight bar, with a maple leaf at the top of the claw where the claw attaches to the bar.
The ribbon is white with edges of blue and five red stripes equally spaced between the two blue stripes. It is similar to the Centennial Medal ribbon, except it has blue edges and one extra red stripe. The red and white are the official colors of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921, the blue borders symbolize the motto of Canada, A MARI USQUE AD MARE (From sea to sea), and the five thin red stripes each represent a quarter century for one hundred and twenty five years.
125 Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
Canadian Centennial Medal
This medal commemorates the Centennial of Canada's Confederation in 1867 and was awarded due to recommendation by governments and associations. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Description
A circular silver medal 1.42 inches (36 mm) in diameter with a thin plain raised rim:
- On the obverse The Royal Cypher EIIR surmounted by a crown is superimposed on a large single maple leaf. The inscription around the circumference reads “CONFEDERATION CANADA CONFÉDÉRATION” with the word “CANADA” at the top of the medal.
- On the reverse The Coat of Arms of Canada with the dates 1867 – 1967 located under the Coat of Arms. A wide triangular fixed suspender (0.1875" high) is attached to the medal by a prominent single-toe claw.
- The ribbon is white with red edges and four equally spaced red stripes between the red edges: the red and white are the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921, the red borders and white center are inspired by the new Canadian flag approved two years before the creation of this medal, and the four thin red stripes each represent a quarter century for one hundred years.
5 Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Canadian Universities
He was awarded doctorate degrees by the following Canadian universities in recognition of his achievements as an outspoken, social activist who fought for equity of target groups, the disabled, indigenous invisible minorities, and the visible minorities.
- Honorary Doctor of Laws – Saint Mary’s University
- Honorary Doctor of Laws – York University
- Honorary Doctor of Civil Law – Acadia University
- Honorary Doctor of Laws – University of Guelph
- Honorary Doctor of Laws – Dalhousie University
Learn more: Photos
Honorary Doctorate Degrees
Change Maker Video
Testimonials
"Senator Oliver’s career and life’s work fully embody the concepts of “racial uplift” and human rights advocacy. His work has influenced, inspired, and changed the lives of countless people, either directly or indirectly. Oliver not only sought education and opportunity for himself but assumed the huge responsibility to fight for freedom and justice for others, clearly following the footsteps of his grandparents, great-grandparents and other family members. From the time he became aware of systemic racial oppression of fellow African Nova Scotians, he worked with others to fight against anti-Black racism, throughout his career. Oliver shares many valuable life lessons that can help others who are struggling to find a way out of oppressive conditions.”
~Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard
The first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate
"In recognition of your decades of dedication towards championing the rights and freedoms of Black Canadians, we would like to congratulate you on winning the BlackNorth Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award. With the work that you have done, you truly deserve this honor. In fact, I am confident they couldn’t have chosen a better person. Congratulations to you!
After all your hard work and determination, I am excited to see you reap the fruits of your efforts. Please keep striving for more exploits. Thank you for the life-changing impact you’ve had on the communities you serve. Once again, congratulations on your award."~Dahabo Ahmed Omer,
Executive Director, BlackNorth Initiative
"BMO is proud to join Senator Oliver, an author himself and an inspiration to so many of us in Atlantic Canada, in supporting a prize so well aligned with our bank’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. This is all about expanding access to opportunity and progress for Black writers while lifting up valuable and unique contributions to Atlantic Canada’s rich literary culture”
~Marc Champoux
Regional President, BMO Private Wealth, Atlantic
"What an inspiration you are to our community and indeed our country. Thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do! "
~Judge Perry Borden
"At the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, we know we stand on the shoulders of giants as we go about our work each day and strive to realize a more just justice system in which all people are treated fairly, including notably this month, people of African descent. And this year for African Heritage Month, we had the immense honour of having one this country’s preeminent giants in our midst. Thank you Senator Oliver for sharing stories from your personal and professional journey, your wisdom, advice and encouragement with the Department of Justice Team during your intimate fireside conversation with our Ryan Brothers.”
~Candace L. Thomas, KC,
Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General
“The African Heritage event with the “extra” special guest, the Honourable Dr. Senator Donald H. Oliver, was outstanding! The flow, the emotions, the content and the learnings were so impactful! Oh, I love the setting as well!”
~Kathy Sparling, Director, Maintenance Enforcement Program, NSDOJ
"I am pleased today to acknowledge the enormous contribution of BMO in supporting the Senator Don Oliver Black Voices Prize with a $100,000 investment. This investment, along with personal contributions by the Honorable Don Oliver, will ensure the longevity of this transformative prize in supporting emerging Black writers long into the future. The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia is honored to be the administrator for this prize.”
~Marilyn Smulders,
Executive Director, Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia
“I wanted to take a moment to tell you what an incredibly motivating and inspiring interview that was between yourself and Donald Oliver. Congratulations on such a moving conversation!”
~Michele Matthews, RCMP Contract Administrator, Public Safety and Security, NSDOJ
“I’m just watching this interview between you and Dr. Oliver – it’s beautiful. What an inspiration he is to all of us. What a lovely start to this day and what an amazing offering for the Department for African Heritage Month.”
~Amanda Dillman, Director, Legal Services, NSDOJ
“Thank you for your part in organizing and sharing your heartfelt fireside chat with Senator Oliver. It was a very powerful and informative conversation that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
~Neil Kuranyi, Solicitor, Legal Services, NDSOJ
“As an African Nova Scotian, working within the public sector on Justice initiatives, I was motivated and encouraged by this conversation. Senator Dr. Oliver highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities to improve oneself, while also advocating for increased opportunities for others. I will continue my efforts towards increasing access to opportunities for those still underrepresented in positions of power, while being reminded that the opportunities I have been afforded, are thanks to trailblazers like Senator Don Oliver.”
~Micah MacIsaac, Senior Policy Analyst, Strategic Initiatives, NSDOJ
“I am thrilled to have had the distinct honour to interview the Honourable Dr. Donald H. Oliver, C.M. O.N.S. K.C., respecting his life’s accomplishments, impact on the law and the criminal justice system, and to discuss experiences from his 2021 autobiography, entitled, A Matter of Equality: The Life’s Work of Senator Don Oliver. The Senator’s impact on Canada, and beyond, cannot be overstated and I consider myself fortunate to have participated in this memorable conversation."
~Ryan Brothers, Director of Legislation, Policy and FPT Relations, NSDOJ
“Just wanted to share with you that I totally enjoyed watching the interview conducted by Ryan Brothers of our special guest, titled “A Matter of Equality - An Intimate Conversation with The Honourable Dr. Donald H. Oliver (Retired Senator)” in celebration of NS Department of Justice’s African Heritage Month 2023.
I found this wonderful interview as very enlightening with a powerful message delivered brilliantly in a very natural way! So beautiful.
It was an honour to have met the Honourable Dr. Donald H. Oliver and now I am excited to enjoy reading my copy of the book inscribed by the wonderful author himself.”
~Hina Tariq, Communications Coordinator, NSDOJ
“It was really lovely and informative. What an awesome man!”
~Agnes MacNeil, K.C., Managing Lawyer, Legal Services, NSDOJ
“The Honourable Dr. Senator Don Oliver’s contributions to the advancement of diversity, pluralism, fairness, and equality in Canada are numerous and far-reaching. This interview provides fascinating insight into the life and legacy of a truly remarkable Nova Scotian”
~David Atchison, Senior Policy Analyst, Policy, and Information Management, NSDOJ