NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PREMIER'S AWARD

Saskatchewan residents have until April 30th to nominate provincial employees for the 2006 Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify what government values most in its employees: quality service; innovation; and leadership.

"This award is a great opportunity to recognize and thank provincial employees for their hard work in the public service and their dedication to this province," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The number of public servants nominated annually for this award shows that Saskatchewan residents are as proud as I am of our first-class public servants in this province."

"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 this province."

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.

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:

Michelle Burns Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-2155