SASKATCHEWAN ORDER OF MERIT PRESENTED TO SEVEN CITIZENS

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lynda Haverstock presented seven recipients with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit at the investiture ceremony in Regina 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.

"Like the citizens who have previously been invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, these seven individuals are ordinary people who have accomplished the extraordinary," Haverstock said. "They are proof that everyone is capable of greatness, and they inspire each of us to strive for excellence, to give generously of one's time and abilities, and to contribute to the greater good."

"Through hard work, determination and a sense of vision, the seven individuals invested with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit today exemplify the spirit of our province," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The heart and soul of our great province is its people, and it is because of people like these that Saskatchewan's accomplishments are so legendary."

The recipients are:

- Byrna Barclay, a Saskatchewan novelist, playwright and volunteer;

- Lorne Carrier, Community Development Manager with the Saskatchewan Museum Association, who is dedicated to the retention of First Nations culture, traditions and heritage;

- Dr. Dennis Kendel, who is nationally recognized for helping raise the standard of medical care in Canada;

- Dr. John McLeod, an educational psychologist who has developed several achievement tests for basic subjects to help evaluate students and treat those with learning disabilities;

- Suzanne Claire Olaski, founder of Community Alive Inc., a non-profit organization that works with outreach ministries and organizations to assist disadvantaged families;

- Dr. Rajendra Sharma, a research scientist for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, who has an international reputation for innovative research; and

- Gordon Staseson, who has been the driving force behind many successful sports, economic and civic organizations and activities.

There have been 122 appointments to the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985, including the newest inductees.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306)787-5959