CITIZENS RECEIVE PROVINCE'S HIGHEST HONOUR

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lynda Haverstock today announced the names of seven recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

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.

"Each of the recipients has chosen to develop and share their extraordinary abilities with the world," Haverstock said. "They exemplify excellence, perseverance, commitment, and vision, and are most deserving of Saskatchewan's highest honour."

This year's recipients are:

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

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

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

- 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;

- 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.

Including the seven new members, there have been 122 appointments to the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985.

The Lieutenant Governor will bestow the Saskatchewan Order of Merit on the recipients November 16th at an investiture ceremony in Regina.

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For More Information, Contact:

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