EIGHT CITIZENS RECOGNIZED WITH PROVINCE'S TOP HONOUR

The contributions of eight remarkable Saskatchewan citizens have been

recognized at the Saskatchewan Order of Merit investiture.



The Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province's top honour, recognizes

outstanding contributions to the greater Saskatchewan community. Lieutenant

Governor Dr. Lynda Haverstock presided over the ceremony.



The recipients are: Allan Blakeney, Premier of Saskatchewan from 1971-1982;

Lorne Dietrick, known for his work in the farm co-operative movement; Bill

Hanson, a respected consultant for Aboriginal issues; Robert Hinitt, a long-

time supporter of amateur theatre in Saskatoon; Ruth Horlick, renowned for her

community service in mental health; Dr. Krishna Kumar, a nationally and

internationally renowned neurosurgeon in Regina; world and Olympic curling

champion Sandra Schmirler; and Fred Wagman, known for his initiatives in

community broadcasting.



"It is my great privilege to invest this year's recipients with the

Saskatchewan Order of Merit," Haverstock said. "Each has enriched Saskatchewan

through contributions and achievements that represent every part of our

society. These esteemed individuals represent the talent and vision of our

province, and serve as inspiration to us all."



The first-ever Order of Merit awarded posthumously was accepted on behalf of

Sandra Schmirler by her husband Shannon England.



As well, former Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Fedoruk presented a collar of office

to Provincial Secretary Jack Hillson as a millennium gift to the Province of

Saskatchewan. Hillson then presented the collar to the lieutenant governor, to

be worn by her when conferring official honours.



The central element of the collar is a circular medallion displaying the

Saskatchewan coat of arms. The chain is composed of miniature medals of the

Saskatchewan Order of Merit and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. These

elements are linked together with the red lion and the gold wheat sheaf from

the provincial coat of arms.



"The collar of office is a most appropriate and attractive addition to the

Province's ceremonial repertoire," Haverstock said. "The design of Ms.

Fedoruk's millennium gift captures the values of Saskatchewan and reflects the

pride in our past and the promise of our future. I will be proud to wear the

collar in my role as chancellor of our provincial honours."



Nominations for the Order of Merit come from the public. The Saskatchewan

Honours Advisory Council reviews all nominations and recommends recipients each

year for investiture.



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For more information, contact:



Michael Jackson, Secretary

Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council

Protocol Office

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-3109