Myra Freeman
Hon. Myra Freeman
Doctor of Civil Law
The Honorable Myra A. Freeman, O.N.A., was named the 30th Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Nova Scotia in May 2000 ? a role which she held for six years. Her appointment marked a milestone for the province as she was the first woman to receive this honor. She brought a distinguished record of community service and a keen interest in youth to her responsibilities as Lieutenant Governor.
During her childhood in Saint John, New Brunswick, she grew up with a strong respect for community, family and the institutions on which the confederation of Canada is founded. She played a leadership role at school in the Girl Guides of Canada and in youth groups at the synagogue. At age 15 she instructed an arts and crafts course at the YWCA, which influenced her decision to become a teacher. At Dalhousie University, Halifax, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 and a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1971. Her professional life as a teacher in the Halifax district school system was launched after graduation.
She has served on numerous boards and foundations, including the Nova Scotia Talent Trust Fund, the Nova Scotia Division of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the Atlantic Theatre Festival Foundation, the Grace Maternity Hospital Foundation, the Citizens Advisory Committee to Maritime Broadcasting System Limited, the Canadian Health Care Consulting Services Limited. Her Honour has also given generously of her time to the Kidney Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Jewish Congress, and the CRB Foundation Gift of Israel program. From 1995 to 2000, she served as Atlantic Chair of the foundation. In 1990 she was Festival Chair for the World Figure Skating Championships in Halifax and was instrumental in developing a Nova Scotia Teacher?s Resource kit for this event. In 1995 she served as Manager of the Spousal program for the Halifax G-7 Summit.
During her time as the Lieutenant Governor, she brought both energy and dignity to her role. She launched many initiatives that reflect her professional expertise in youth and education and her interest in the place of ordinary people in Canada?s history. She has visited many organizations inspiring volunteers with her enthusiasm for community service. As the guest of honour at many special events, including the Tall Ships 2000 in Halifax, the launching of the ship Hector in Pictou, Lunenburg Annual Seamen?s Memorial Service, the Kirking of the Tartan in New Glasgow, the Waterfront Development in Guysborough, the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton and the Apple Blossom Festival in the Annapolis Valley, she has met Nova Scotians from all areas of the province.
In working to bring communities together, she has hosted many events and opened Government House to people of all ages and all backgrounds. With a focus on heritage, she was instrumental in bringing the 78th Highlanders to Government House to serve as sentries during the summer months. The RCMP Spurs and Stetsons assist guests at public functions throughout the year. High school students give guided tours to visitors and elementary and junior high students participate in heritage fairs in schools across the province. Her Honour recognized the importance of celebrating the arts and culture of the province. Students of all ages are playing a part in the history of Government House as they come to showcase their talent in the literary, performing, visual and new media arts.