Honours and Awards

Saskatchewan has four official honours: an order, a decoration, and two medals. The Saskatchewan Order of Merit, established in 1985, recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the public good. The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act of 1988 confirmed the status of the Order as an honour of the provincial Crown. Amendments to the Act in 1995 created the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, a decoration for the volunteer sector. In 2003 the Legislature approved two medals: the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, for twenty-five years of exemplary service in provincial and federal agencies such as police and firefighters; and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for presentation to deserving citizens during 2005. Honours are presented in the name of the Crown by the Lieutenant-Governor; their insignia include medals, lapel pins, and certificates. With a few exceptions, eligibility for provincial honours is restricted to Canadian citizens who are present or former long-term residents of Saskatchewan. The provincial government established the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award in 1997 for non-residents who have made a substantial contribution to the province, and the Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service in 2003 as part of an employee recognition program. Awards are presented by the Premier.

Michael Jackson

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Further Reading

Blatherwick, J. 2003. Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals. Toronto: Unitrade Press; Jackson, M. 2002. Images of a Province: Symbols of Saskatchewan. Regina: Government of Saskatchewan.