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June 30, 2020

2020 James McGregor Stewart Award


"A Thorn in the Side of Government"




Kendall Worth is the 2020 recipient of the James McGregor Stewart Award, recognizing high achievement by a Nova Scotian with a disability. It honours the accomplishments of Mr. James McGregor Stewart whose 131st birthday is today, June 30, and who overcame many barriers, despite a reliance on crutches throughout his life as a result of childhood polio.
Worth follows a distinguished line of awardees.
  • 2015 Sarah Dube
  • 2016 Clary Stubbert
  • 2017 Gerry Post
  • 2018 Paul Vienneau
  • 2019 Jenn Powley
Worth was selected from a field of outstanding candidates. Nova Scotia has produced exceptional advocates and we are proud to recognize him. From some of his recommenders, you can get a sense of the difference he has made in the lives of those he has touched:

"Worth is the only journalist in Nova Scotia who consistently writes about people living in poverty -- poverty that is due to systemic issues our governments will not address. These issues include chronic unemployment, disability, low pay and mental health matters. His focus on mental health and the problems of people who are ostracized and demeaned because of mental illness are much needed. He also writes empathetically about the loneliness and lack of social contact many disadvantaged people face."

"Worth's op-eds show a journalist with presence of mind, and a person not easily taken in by those in authority. He is a leader in that he exposes what is happening in his own community and calls for change. He does not give up. He is always willing to discuss, find out more and yet he persists as a thorn in the side of government -- which has a record of batting away opposition, and changing the channel."

"Kendall is the backbone of anti-poverty work in Halifax and throughout the province and even through this pandemic he is stronger than ever. He is assisting people with applying to CERB, navigating the tax system, and helping people get answers to their questions. He literally does not stop fighting and that's why Kendall is really the perfect candidate for this award."


The Award recognizes the spirit of Mr. James McGregor Stewart, first in his class at Dalhousie Law School in 1914, and President of the Students' Council. He was shortlisted for the Rhodes Scholarship but was not successful, due to concerns expressed about his physical condition. Nevertheless, Stewart went on to head a Halifax law firm that became the present day Stewart McKelvey. He was Chairman of Dalhousie's Board of Governors. In 2000, Canadian Lawyer magazine named him as one of Canada’s ten greatest lawyers.

The Award was established by friends of the Society through the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, an organization that supports philanthropy across the province.

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