Biography: The Honourable Myra Ava Freeman, CM, ONS, MSM, CD

Myra Ava Freeman was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, and graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. While teaching in the Halifax District and the Halifax Regional School Boards, she served on numerous boards and foundations in the community.

Ms. Freeman was appointed Lieutenant Governor in 2000, and was notably the first woman to hold the position in its 400-year history as well as the first Jewish Lieutenant Governor in Canada.

She was the first Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia when it was introduced in 2002. Also in 2002, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and in 2008, she was appointed member of the Order of Canada.

She was appointed as the Honorary Captain (Navy) to Maritime Forces Atlantic in 2003, an appointment she held until 2015. For her distinguished service in this latter role, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2012.