The late Bruce Guthro headlines this year’s Order of Nova Scotia recipients.

The Cape Breton singer-songwriter passed away last month after a battle with cancer.

It’s the highest honour in the province, and is awarded to those who make lasting contributions.

5 Nova Scotians will be recognized at a ceremony next month.

Lt. Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc says the recipients have made their mark in diverse fields, including the arts, journalism, health equity research and education.

The 2023 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia are:

— Phil Comeau, Saulnierville and Moncton: filmmaker and screenwriter; recognized for preserving and promoting Acadian culture

— Jacqueline Gahagan, Halifax: health equity researcher; recognized for contributions to healthcare, health policy development, child welfare, women in sports and HIV/AIDS research

— Bruce Guthro, Sydney Mines: singer and songwriter; posthumously recognized for contributions to the music industry, Canadian culture and philanthropy

— Sylvia Hamilton, Grand-Pré: professor, filmmaker, writer, journalist and educator; recognized for capturing and preserving the experiences of African Nova Scotians

— Stephen Kimber, Halifax: writer, journalist and educator; recognized for representing Nova Scotia in the national press and mentoring several generations of journalists.