Award Ceremony Honours Public Service Excellence

OTTAWA, June 14, 2007 –— The Public Service of Canada honoured its outstanding employees with the Public Service Award of Excellence at a ceremony held today in Gatineau. This award recognizes employees who have demonstrated excellence in serving Canadians, while reflecting the values, ethics and priorities of the federal public service, including the renewal of the Public Service. A total of 30 individuals and teams were honoured.

“Your accomplishments, either as an individual or as part of a team, demonstrate the importance of the work that public servants do on behalf of the government and the people of Canada,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in his message addressed to award recipients. “This award recognizes the best of the Public Service today and sets the standard for what it can and must be in the years ahead.”

Excellence in the support of Canada’s Government, excellence in the delivery of programs and services, and excellence in regulation and policy development are part of the ultimate goals in the broad process of Public Service renewal. “The commitment, personal engagement, pride and achievement that recipients have demonstrated are the benchmarks of a Public Service that consistently pursues excellence,” said Kevin G. Lynch, Clerk of the Privy Council. " Your efforts inspire all who pursue careers in service to our country and our communities."

This year’s recipients work in all parts of Canada, as well as in countries around the world. Some of those receiving awards include:

• Employees at the Canadian Embassies in Lebanon, Cyprus and Turkey who combined logistical forces with employees from nine other public service departments to safely evacuate 14,000 Canadians last summer from conflict in Lebanon.
• Dr. Guylène Proulx of the National Research Council Canada, whose research has led to improved smoke alarm systems and photoluminescent materials which are being used to help ensure safety in buildings across Canada and around the world.
• Employees at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), whose development and promotion of earlier disease detection in livestock and wildlife is safeguarding Canadians.

The Public Service of Canada is an important vital institution for Canadians. In their day-to-day work, public servants are privileged to have a direct impact on the quality of Canadians' lives and on the way that Canada shapes its future.

The complete list of award recipients and their stories, as well as background information on the Public Service Award of Excellence can be found online at http://www.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca//hr-rh/ar-pr/new_excellence/PSEA 2007/2007_booklet_e.asp

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