PREMIER'S AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Premier Lorne Calvert announced the recipients of the Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service today.

"This group of dedicated individuals serves the people of our province with distinction," Calvert said. "They make a better life for others and serve as role models among their colleagues and in their communities."

Individual employees or teams from government departments, most Treasury Board Crown Corporations, boards, commissions, and agencies were eligible for nomination in three categories: Innovation, Quality Service, and Leadership. Nominations for the award came from the public service, stakeholder organizations, clients, and the public. This year, a total of 110 employees in nine departments or agencies were nominated for the award.

The recipients are:
Individuals

· Dave Fischl, Fleet Services Manager/Workplace Diversity Co-ordinator, Highways and Transportation, in the category of Leadership; and

· Michael Jackson, Executive Director, Protocol, Honours and Government House, Government Relations, in the category of Leadership.

Teams

· Community Living Division Team, Community Resources and Employment, in the category of Quality Service;

· Maintenance Enforcement Office, Saskatchewan Justice, in the category of Quality Service;

· Saskatchewan Forest Service ISO Certification Team, Saskatchewan Environment, in the category of Leadership; and

· Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Implementation Team, First Nations and Métis Relations, in the category of Leadership

An independent selection panel chaired by Brian Johnson, CEO of Crown Life, reviewed the nominations and made the decision on who would receive the award. "This was a difficult decision due to the high calibre of nominations received," Johnson said. "This experience has highlighted for me the excellence found in Saskatchewan's public service."

The Award will be presented to recipients at a ceremony held in the fall.

For more information about the Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service, call toll free 1-877-427-5505, or you can go to the website at www.gr.gov.sk.ca/protocol/Honours/premiers_award.htm.

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For More Information, Contact:

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