NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PROVINCE'S HIGHEST HONOUR

Provincial Secretary Berny Wiens announced today that nominations are

being accepted from now until July 5, 1999 for the Saskatchewan Order

of Merit, the province's highest honour. The order recognizes

outstanding achievement and exceptional contributions to the province

and its residents.



"Saskatchewan's greatest resource is our people," Wiens said.

"Nominating someone for the Saskatchewan Order of Merit is an

opportunity to acknowledge a person who has helped to make a

difference in all of our lives."



All fields of endeavor may be recognized through the order. Examples

include agriculture, business and industry, education, the arts,

occupational and professional achievement and community service.



Any Saskatchewan resident, or former long-time resident, is eligible

for nomination, with the exception of elected members of the

Legislature or Parliament and judges while holding office. Posthumous

nominations are not accepted. Only individuals are eligible - not

couples, groups or organizations



A maximum of ten recipients a year are recommended by the Saskatchewan

Honours Advisory Council. The medal and certificate of the order are

presented by the Lieutenant Governor at a formal ceremony in the fall.

Seventy-nine citizens have received the order of merit since it

was established in 1985.



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For more information and nomination forms, contact:



Protocol Office

10th Floor

1919 Saskatchewan Drive

Regina S4P 3V7

Phone: (306) 787-3001, Toll-free 1-877-427-5505

Fax: (306) 787-1269