SEVEN CITIZENS RECEIVE SASKATCHEWAN’S HIGHEST HONOUR

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhart invested seven people into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in Regina today.

"It is a deep privilege to serve as Chancellor of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and to recognize such outstanding citizens with our province's highest honour," Barnhart said. "The newest members have been well chosen; each has made extraordinary contributions that have benefited the people of Saskatchewan and beyond."

The 2007 recipients are:

• The Very Reverend Dr. Walter Farquharson, D.D., United Church Minister, Saltcoats;
• Dr. D. Michael Jackson, C.V.O., C.D., Retired Public Servant, Regina;
• Mr. Don Kerr, Professor Emeritus, Writer and Poet, Saskatoon;
• Dr. Reuben J. Mapletoft, Professor, Saskatoon;
• His Worship James V. Scarrow, Broadcaster, Prince Albert;
• Mrs. Cora Thomson, Retired, Carry the Kettle First Nation; and
• Mr. Brian Towriss, Football Coach, Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan Order of Merit is the province's highest honour. It recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its residents.

Including the seven new members, there have been 148 appointments to the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985. Recipients are recommended by the Saskatchewan Honours and Awards Council, an independent selection committee.

Portraits of past recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit are on display and can be viewed in the Saskatchewan Gallery at the Legislative Building.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nfellinger@gr.gov.sk.ca