News release

Premier Recognizes Excellence in Public Service

Public Service Commission
Premier's Office

Public servants who do outstanding work help deliver the highest quality programs and services to Nova Scotia families, communities and businesses.

That is why employees who go above and beyond are celebrated with the Premier’s Award of Excellence.

“In the seven years I have had the privilege to serve as Premier of our province, I have seen the talent, creativity and thoughtfulness of the dedicated public servants across Nova Scotia,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “They make our communities better places to live and work, and it is my honour to present this award that recognizes outstanding achievements.”

One person and five teams were honoured with the most prestigious government award today, Feb. 2. They are:

  • the Hope Landing team from the Department of Community Services, who created a safe home for vulnerable youth and developed innovative programming that helps these young people build on their strengths and find success
  • the Wound Care Management in Long-Term Care team from the Department of Health and Wellness improved wound management in long-term care through enhanced process, protocols and engagement
  • the Sector Development and Innovation division from the Department of Agriculture advanced the Christmas tree industry through focused planning, development and implementation
  • the Driver Education Licensing project team from the Departments of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, Justice and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs helped Sipekne’katik First Nation community members attain valid driver’s licenses by removing significant barriers to accessing resources
  • Leanne Hachey helped lower barriers to interprovincial trade by leading several breakthrough agreements among federal, provincial and territorial governments, which are expected to add more than $1 billion annually to the national economy
  • The Maintenance Enforcement Program’s Community Outreach project team and Brian Manley’s Green Belt Improvement project, both from the Department of Justice, have made innovative changes to the maintenance enforcement program through a community outreach and an improvement project to assist families who depend on these payments to maintain a safe, healthy and secure household

Award winners reflect government’s commitment to public service excellence and continuous improvement, while demonstrating the courage to step into new territory to achieve their goals.

Quick Facts:

  • winners for the Premier’s Award of Excellence are selected by a panel of deputy ministers
  • the award was launched in 2005, with the inaugural ceremony held in January 2006
  • recipients receive a framed certificate signed by the Premier and a crystal award from NovaScotian Crystal

Additional resources:

For more information about the Premier’s Award of Excellence, this year's recipients and their work, visit https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/public-service-commission