FOR RELEASE     #05-312
December 1, 2005

WHITEHORSE - The first ever Premier's Award of Excellence is being presented to seven individuals and three teams at a ceremony today in Whitehorse.

"When I established this award, it was my hope that it would be a way to recognize excellence and accomplishment in everyday work; in efforts above and beyond what is required on a daily basis, and it has done just that," Premier Dennis Fentie said. "We can all be proud of the Yukon public service that is represented by the award recipients here today."

All active employees appointed under the Yukon Public Service Act or the Education Act are eligible for nomination. Nominees may be individuals, groups or teams. The committee received 36 nominations.

"This is the inaugural Premier's Award of Excellence process," selection committee chair Joe MacGillivray said. "Our committee was charged with reviewing nominations and selecting those of particular merit for the award."

Besides the chair, the Premier's Award of Excellence Selection Committee members include:

Vice Chair Liz McKee, Catherine Simpson, Angus Robertson, Cathy Morton-Bielz, Diana Cousins, Doug Heynen, Diane Stewart, Louise Girard from within government and Eric Morris from Teslin as the public representative on the committee.

There will be a call for nominations for the second Premier’s Award of Excellence process in the spring of 2006.

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Attachment:  List of Premier's Award of Excellence Recipients

Premier’s Award of Excellence

Award Recipients - December 1, 2005

Individual Awards

Bobby Benjamin – Old Crow, Highways and Public Works
Bobby was nominated because not only does he "perform his Road Foreman duties in a consistently exemplary manner; he is also viewed as the 'government figurehead' in the community. In this role he exhibits dignity, integrity, selfless commitment and social leadership."

Dan Boyd – Whitehorse, Community Services
Dan was nominated because "inside and outside government, Dan has proven to be, and is recognized as a dedicated leader and mentor. He is greatly admired by his peers, respected by his colleagues and appreciated by his employees."

Jenny Caesar – Ross River, Health and Social Services
Jenny was nominated because "she has gone above and beyond the call of duty in order to extend care and concern to the Ross River Community. She is also a model for service providers." Jenny is described as having a 'relentless commitment to community work' and as someone who takes a quiet approach and “does not impose her work value onto others."

Anne Daub – Whitehorse, Education
Anne was nominated for her "dedication and flexibility" in her work as secretary in the Wood Street School. "She is a vital part of the whole Wood Street program and without her dedication the overall experience for both teachers and students would not be as positive as it is."

Dorothy Gibbon – Carcross, Tourism and Culture
"Dorothy has worked at the Carcross Visitor Information Centre for over 20 years, yet she maintains a genuine enthusiasm and a fresh and open attitude toward all aspects of her work. She has a way of making (people) feel appreciated and valued. Dorothy makes the Visitor Reception Centre a joyful place for all who work there and for all visitors."

Jonathon Trefry – Whitehorse, Health and Social Services
Jonathon was nominated in recognition of the "commitment he shows above and beyond the requirements of his job as Shift Supervisor at Yukon Emergency Medical Services." He was also nominated for "his exceptional contributions to the Whitehorse PARTY Program". PARTY stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth.

Lois Craig – Whitehorse, Energy, Mines and Resources
Lois was nominated in recognition of "her outstanding service to the government, the public service and the public in general." She is "an outstanding example of a public servant who provides quality service and leadership in all aspects of her work and life."

Team Awards

Forest Management Transition Team
This team was nominated by Ed van Randen (Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources), Lawrence Joe (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations) and Norm McLean (Kaska Forest Resources Stewardship Council). The nomination is in recognition of the team's many accomplishments which the nominators refer to as "a story of challenges, turnaround and success - a performance that is worthy of consideration for the inaugural Premier's Award of Excellence." This team "has promoted a high standard of customer service, specifically in regaining the trust and confidence of Yukon First Nations, the public and stakeholders" since the transfer of forestry to the Yukon government at devolution. The members of this team are:
 
Gary Miltenberger;
Darlene Iannone;
Carl Burgess;
Shirley Hill;
Susan Skaalid;
Scott Cole;
Myles Thorp;
Debra Wortley;
Greg Cowman;
Don White;
Dwayne Muckosky;
Charlaine Thibault;
Jesse Devost
Patrick MacDonell;
Robin Sharples;
Lyle Dinn;
Kirk Price;
Robert Legare; and
Damien Burns.
 

Development Assessment Process Team
This team was nominated by Jeff O'Farrell (Executive Council Office, Development Assessment Branch). This nomination is in recognition of the team's diligent work "within a highly challenging and complex inter-agency operating framework." The members of this team are:
 
Carola Scheu;
Diane Gunter;
Christine Smith;
Carmen Ingram;
Heidi Rumscheidt;
Derek Fraser;
Rob Walker;
Shane Andre; and
Mistie Couture.
 

Adult Protection Legislation Team
This team was nominated by Louise Hardy (Yukon Health and Social Services). This nomination is for work on the Adult Protection, Care and Consent and Assisted Decision Making legislation. While stressing that this has been "a collaborative effort between the departments of Justice and Health", the nomination is in recognition of "the four individuals who brought this process to life" and who are "models for representing the ideals and reality embedded in the heart of the Yukon's public service employees." The members of this team are:
 
Jan Langford (Health & Social Services);
Kip Veale (Health & Social Services);
Judy Suley (Justice); and
Charlene Beauchemin (Executive Council Office).