Today@Dal

Two Nova Scotians are among 69 year-end appointments to the Order of Canada, recognized by the Governor General with one of the country's highest civilian honours.

Mary Anne White, a chemistry professor at Halifax's Dalhousie University, received one of the honours.

White is being recognized for her "contributions to chemistry, which have advanced our understanding of the thermal properties of materials, and for her leadership in science outreach initiatives," Governor General David Johnston said on his website.

Frederic Wien, professor emeritus at Dalhousie University, was also awarded. He focuses on improving health and well-being of people in First Nation communities.

Wien is being recognized for "contributions in support of Indigenous populations in Atlantic Canada as a professor and as a promoter of economic and social autonomies," Johnston's website said.

Nobel Prize winner also honoured

Other recipients include Catherine Callbeck, a former Prince Edward Island premier and senator, Jennifer Stoddart, a former privacy commissioner, and Audrey O'Brien, a House of Commons clerk.

Former federal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy and filmmaker Atom Egoyan were both promoted to companions of the Order of Canada, the highest level that can be reached.

Also promoted to companion was Sydney-born Art McDonald, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics.

An independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada selects the nominees. Individuals are appointed on merit to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Recipients will be invited to Ottawa for a ceremony at a later date.

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