NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PREMIER'S AWARD

Saskatchewan residents can pay tribute to provincial employees who have made a significant contribution to the province by nominating them for the Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service.

"The public service reaches into every community across this province," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The Premier's Award for Excellence provides an opportunity to thank these hardworking and caring people for the work they do in making this province a great place to live, work and celebrate."

The award offers recognition for individuals who exemplify what government values most in its employees: quality service; innovation; and leadership. The deadline for the public or members of the public service to submit nominations is April 30th.

"For the past 100 years, the public servants of Saskatchewan have sustained a tradition of excellence and dedication that help make our standard of living one of the highest in the world," Provincial Secretary and Minister responsible for the province's Honours and Awards Program Joan Beatty said. "I encourage people throughout the province to consider nominating one of the many talented public servants who work in Saskatchewan."

Individual employees or teams from government departments, most Treasury Board Crown Corporations, boards, commissions and agencies are eligible for nomination. Up to six awards will be announced during National Public Service Week in June, with the presentation event occurring in the fall.

Last year, 21 nominations from 10 different departments or agencies were received.

For more information, call toll-free 1-877-427-5505 or visit the web site at: www.gr.gov.sk.ca/Protocol/.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Gladys Wasylenchuk Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-1370 Cell: (306) 529-8630