Presentation of the 2013 Public Service Award of Excellence

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, joined by the Clerk of the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Wayne G. Wouters, presented the Public Service Award of Excellence 2013, at Rideau Hall, on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. “Together, you have excelled in so many categories—too many, in fact, for me to list here. The common thread is your commitment to innovating, collaborating and delivering results—all with the aim of serving Canadians,” said the Governor General.

The Governor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council presented the award in the category of Excellence in Policy to Robert Lamirande from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. -- Congratulations to Mr. Robert Lamirande for developing innovative Aboriginal fisheries policies that serve Canadians and advance the Government of Canada’s priorities. From 2001 to the present day, Mr. Lamirande led the policy work at Fisheries and Oceans Canada that created the Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program and the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative. Today, these programs remain exemplary models of innovative approaches to strengthening the role of Aboriginal groups in managing fisheries. His friendly and positive way of working with stakeholders also extends to those who work for him. He respects, encourages and mentors his staff, and leads the people around him with consistent professionalism and good humour.

In the Youth category, the Governor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council presented the award to Erin Mulvihill from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. -- The Government of Canada applauds Erin Mulvihill for her dedication and leadership as a youth policy analyst and as the manager of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Youth Engagement Section. Since she began her career six years ago, she has consistently displayed strong leadership skills. As the manager of the Youth Engagement Section, she is a positive role model for both employees and students. She maintains a contingent of aspiring young professionals whom she personally mentors to help them achieve their career goals. Working closely with provincial and territorial counterparts, she also brings young people and police officers together from across the country to develop youth-focused prevention and intervention programs.

In the Exemplary Contribution Under Extraordinary Circumstances category, the Governor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council presented the award to Monique Ducharme from the Elliot Lake Service Canada Team. -- The Elliot Lake Service Canada Team went above and beyond the call of duty in responding to the 2012 roof collapse at the Algo Centre shopping mall. Two lives were tragically lost, and the city found itself without several government outlets, including its Service Canada Centre. That’s when the Elliot Lake Service Canada Team sprang into action. Undeterred by the loss of their own office in the catastrophe, team members worked with their provincial and municipal counterparts over the weekend to set up a temporary Service Canada Centre. They provided a range of services, including Employment Insurance claims for hundreds of displaced workers.

The Governor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council presented the award in the category of Large-Scale Special Event or Project to Gary Campbell from the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation Project. -- Congratulations to the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation Project Team for successfully remediating these contaminated sites. This team has demonstrated outstanding intergovernmental collaboration in implementing the cleanup of what was once considered Canada’s most contaminated site. Today, thanks to the team’s determined efforts, nearly one million tonnes of soil and sediments have been remediated, and more than 100 hectares of contaminated area have been transformed into a beautiful new park and green space featuring sports fields, a dog park, walking trails and much more. The remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens sites is now a model for other cleanup projects, in Canada and internationally.

The Governor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council presented the 60 Years of Service Special Award to Lawrence “Sam” Hurford. -- Lawrence “Sam” Hurford is a decorated veteran of the Korean War who has enjoyed a distinguished 61-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces and Correctional Service Canada. Mr. Hurford joined the Canadian Forces in 1951, at age 16, and served his country for 26 years. In 1977, he joined Correctional Service Canada, where he became a trusted mentor and advisor to new recruits and a member of the Emergency Response Team. An individual of the highest character, both personally and professionally, Mr. Hurford is a faithful and humble servant of Canada, and is an invaluable example of what makes this country great.

The Public Service Award of Excellence recognizes employees who have demonstrated excellence in achieving results for Canadians and who reflect the priorities of the public service, while demonstrating key leadership competencies. The award is open to individuals and teams at all levels.