TWELVE CITIZENS TO RECEIVE SASKATCHEWAN’S HIGHEST HONOUR

Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart today announced the names of twelve recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

"This year's recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit have been very well chosen," Barnhart said. "These remarkable individuals have made astounding contributions in their respective fields, and they are most deserving of our province's highest honour."

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Order which is the province's highest honour and is recognized by the Government of Canada with a place in the national precedence of orders, decorations and medals. It recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the well-being of the province and its residents.

The 2009 recipients are:

• Mr. Casimir J. Broda, retired Owner and Operator of Broda Group, Kamsack;
• Dr. Sharon A. Butala, O.C., LL.D., Writer and Environmentalist, Eastend/Calgary;
• Dr. Donald Grant Devine, President, Grant Devine Farms and Consulting, Caronport;
• Elder Alma Kytwayhat, Elder-in-Residence, Saskatoon;
• Mr. Harold H. MacKay, O.C., Q.C., Lawyer, Regina;
• Mr. Jack MacKenzie, retired Outdoor and Physical Education Consultant, Regina;
• Dr. David Millar, Chiropractor, Regina;
• Mr. Arne F. Petersen, Business Entrepreneur and Tourism Operator, Emma Lake; 
• Ms. Linda K. Rudachyk, Social Worker, Weyburn;
• Mr. Lorne Scott, C.M., Environmentalist/Conservationist and Reeve of the RM of Indian Head;
• Mr. William Shurniak, LL.D., retired Financial Advisor, Limerick; and
• Mr. Geoffrey Ursell, Writer, Editor and Publisher, Saskatoon.

Including the twelve new members, there have been 168 appointments to the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985. The 2009 recipients will be invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in ceremonies to take place on November 5 in Saskatoon and November 17 in Regina.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and its members, or the Saskatchewan Honours and Awards Program, please visit www.ops.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca