News release

Lieutenant Governor Recognizes Excellence in Public Administration

Lieutenant-Governor

William Lahey was awarded the 2019 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration today, Oct. 24.

The medal is awarded annually to someone who works in public administration and exhibits the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment.

“We are indeed fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled public administration professionals here in Nova Scotia who rise to the challenge of providing outstanding service,” said Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc. “I commend and thank all those who have committed themselves to a career of making citizens’ lives manageable.”

Mr. Lahey’s diverse career in law, public administration and academia includes a wide variety of roles such as clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada, assistant deputy minister, deputy minister, faculty member at the Schulich School of Law and his current role as president and vice-chancellor of the University of King’s College.

His contributions have been in health care, collective bargaining, worker safety and insurance, environmental protection, wilderness conservation, professional regulation, natural resources management and energy. They include the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Efficiency Nova Scotia and major reports on aquaculture and forestry.

The prestigious award is presented by the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia who serves as its patron. It is sponsored by Davis Pier and administered by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) Nova Scotia.

Three Dalhousie University School of Public Administration students were also recognized by the Nova Scotia IPAC group for acquiring the highest academic achievements in their respective programs.

Quotes:

“I am honoured to be recognized by the lieutenant governor and IPAC for my career in public administration. But it has always been a team effort – and I have been a member of many wonderful teams. I share the recognition with all the dedicated colleagues, in and outside of government, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from while serving Nova Scotia with them.”

– William Lahey, president and vice-chancellor, University of King’s College

“We are exceptionally proud to present this year’s IPAC Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in Nova Scotia. The pillars of this award align with our leadership principles of innovation, creativity and community building. We look forward to celebrating this year’s winner and to continuing to work with public servants in the region to bring new ideas for government to fruition.”

– Mike Davis, managing director, Davis Pier

Quick Facts:

  • the medal is awarded annually to a public sector practitioner whose contributions to public administration exhibits the highest standard of excellence, dedication, and accomplishment
  • the Institute of Public Administration of Canada advocates the values and ideals of public service and promotes the highest standard of service to the public
  • 32 individuals have been awarded the prestigious medal since 1986

Additional Resources:

For information on the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration visit: https://www.ipacnovascotia.ca/lg-awards

For information on IPAC Nova Scotia visit: https://www.ipacnovascotia.ca

For information on the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia visit: https://lt.gov.ns.ca/

For a full biography on William Lahey visit: https://ukings.ca/people/william-lahey/