CITIZENS RECEIVE PROVINCE'S HIGHEST HONOUR

Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock presented six recipients with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit at an investiture ceremony in Saskatoon today.

The Order of Merit is the province's highest honour and recognizes outstanding contributions in the arts, business, the professions, research, education, community leadership and public service.

"Coming from all walks of life, the six individuals invested with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit today exemplify the selfless spirit that helped build our province," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "These citizens continue the tradition of excellence and service that has enhanced the quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents."

"Each of the Members invested into the Order of Merit has shown us what can be done when we use our talents and our time to follow our ideals and serve others," Provincial Secretary Joan Beatty said. "They have helped create a better world and a better tomorrow for everyone."

The recipients are: Dr. Lorne Babiuk, international authority in veterinary virology and immunology; Margaret Cugnet, advocate of the arts and Yorkton community leader; retired Chief Executive Officer of Cameco Corporation, Bernard Michel, who was instrumental in bringing the synchrotron to Saskatchewan; Roy Romanow, former Saskatchewan Premier and Chair of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada; acclaimed ceramic artist Jack Sures; and one of Saskatchewan's most gifted writers, Guy Vanderhaeghe.

Including the six new members, there have been 115 appointments to the Order of Merit in the 19 years since its inception in 1985.

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For More Information, Contact:

Michael Jackson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-3001