Executive Council
June 20, 2011

Awards Recognize Outstanding Contributions of Public Service Employees

The creativity, work ethic, and dedication of public service employees were celebrated today at a ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. The Honorable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Robert Thompson, Clerk of the Executive Council, attended the event and awarded four individuals and three teams the Public Service Award of Excellence for 2010.

“I am so pleased to be here today not only to acknowledge this year’s winners, but the work of all public sector employees,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The quality of the work of the individuals being recognized today is reflective of the exemplary skill and commitment of the entire public service of Newfoundland and Labrador, which I truly believe is the strongest public service in the country.”

The individual award recipients are:

• Tamara Church - Department of Justice
• Darryl W. Fillier - Department of Education
• Brian T. Meaney - Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Brenda Pike - Department of Environment and Conservation

Three teams were also recognized with the Public Service Award of Excellence. They are:

• Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site, Boyd’s Cove - Desmond Canning, Christine Freake, Lisa Fudge, Karen LeDrew-Day - Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
• Tourism Advertising Team - Carmela Murphy, Andrea Peddle, Denise Seach, Brett Thornhill - Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
• Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy Team - Sheldon Antle, Rhonda Tulk-Lane - Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment

The Public Service Award of Excellence is the highest honour an employee can receive from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Open to all employees, this award highlights excellence and outstanding job performance at both individual and team levels. It celebrates the exceptional work, commitment, and creativity of employees who are making a notable contribution to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“What makes these awards so special is that recipients are nominated by their peers,” said Mr. Thompson. “Today, I am delighted to acknowledge the diverse talents and extensive contributions of these individuals. On behalf of their fellow co-workers and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I extend sincere thanks for their continued dedication to their jobs and the public service of this province.”

The Public Service Awards of Excellence was implemented in 2001. Since that time, more than 450 nominations have been received and 66 individuals and 33 teams have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the public service.

For more information on the Public Service Award of Excellence and the recipients, please go to www.gov.nl.ca/excellence

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2011 06 20                                                                            3:05 p.m.