The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister Responsible for the Human Resources Secretariat:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to recognize Public Service Week which runs June 9-15.

The theme, Proudly Serving Newfoundland and Labrador, speaks to the pride and commitment I witness every day from our valued public service employees as they work to move our province forward, making it a better place to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I know that every member here would agree with me when I say that Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the hardest working public service employees in the country. Each day, our colleagues develop policy and deliver programs and services that positively impact families, individuals and businesses throughout our province.

As a part of this special week, nominations have been opened for the Public Service Awards of Excellence, which will be awarded this fall in recognition of exceptional work. To be recognized by fellow employees is a great accomplishment and I encourage staff to nominate a colleague that exemplifies a quality and value of work that is truly outstanding.

Mr. Speaker, the significant progress we have made as a government would not have been achievable without the tremendous support of our public service employees.

I ask all members to join me in recognizing Public Service Week and the many valuable contributions of Provincial Government employees.

Thank you.