The three individuals were selected from a total of 66 Islanders nominated to receive the award this year.
The honour was first conferred in 1996 with six individuals invested at that time; since then there have been three Islanders invested each year.
The honour is awarded as a means of recognizing those Islanders who have shown individual excellence or outstanding leadership in their community and in their chosen occupation or profession. It is the highest honour that can be accorded to a citizen of the Province. It is awarded annually following a public nomination process with not more than three recipients being selected by an independent nine-person Advisory Council each year. Insignia of the Order will be presented by Lieutenant Governor H. Frank Lewis at a special investiture ceremony in September at Government House, Charlottetown.
Veterinarian, politician, writer, musician: any one of these occupations or vocations would fill the days for most people. However, the life of Dr. Albert “Bud” Ings has encompassed the public domain, the well-being of animals and the arts, and he has received tributes such as the Eugene Whelan Award from the Atlantic Veterinarian College, the Charlottetown Rotary Club Mentor Award, and the PEI Heritage Award. In addition to his time as a Member of the Legislative Assembly he also was head of two ministries, and later sat on the Montague Town Council. The Legion, Rotary, Junior Chamber of Commerce and the PEI Humane Society each claim him as one of their own, and the Fiddlers Society of PEI presented him with a lifetime membership. It’s likely he feels honoured to be so appreciated. Ings’ books on his life as a veterinarian have been well received by the public, and combine what may be two of his longest loves: work on behalf of animals, and performing.
In light of these many services, and as a sign of appreciation for the example he has set, “Bud” Ings is a deserving recipient of the Order of Prince Edward Island.
Also receiving the honour are: Emily Bryant, Clyde River and Sibyl Cutcliffe, Charlottetown.
