10 community leaders granted province’s Order of Merit

From business owners and doctors, to First Nations leaders and philanthropists, 10 individuals have been recognized with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, including two from Saskatoon.

Established in 1985, the order recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to arts, agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, occupations, professions, public service, research and volunteer service.

An award ceremony, presided over by the lieutenant-governor, will take place in Regina this fall. The 2017 recipients are:

Murad Al-Katib (Regina): President and CEO of AGT Food and Ingredients, his philanthropic efforts include partnerships with nongovernmental organizations to provide food for refugees around the world.

June Avivi (Saskatoon): Her career as an educator focused on teaching students about diversity and acceptance. She is also a leader and mentor for Holocaust education.

Martha Cole (Lumsden): Cole’s artwork has been exhibited throughout Canada and internationally and is driven by her environmental concerns and connection to Saskatchewan’s landscape.

Roland Crowe (Regina): A member of the Piapot First Nation, Crowe spent his career in First Nations government improving housing conditions and developing training and employment strategies for First Nations people.

Rod Gantefoer (Melfort): Gantefoer was instrumental in bringing STARS air ambulance to the province during his time as minister of finance in the Sask. Party government and founded Plains Poultry, now Lilydale Foods.

Paul J. Hill (Regina): Hill is the third generation to lead The Hill Companies as chairman, president and CEO and has emphasized the importance of education in pulling people out of poverty through philanthropy.

Robert Laing (Saskatoon): As chief justice, he played a key role in revamping the Queen’s Bench Rules of Court to make court proceedings more efficient and easier to understand. Laing is also a former RCMP member. Dr. Roberta McKay (Regina): She is a respected dermatologist and proponent of arts and culture in southern Saskatchewan, supporting organizations such as Regina Transition House and the Regina Symphony Orchestra.

Robert Mitchell (Regina, posthumous): Mitchell served as an NDP MLA, cabinet member and labour arbitrator and negotiator for First Nations self-government agreements. His is recognized for his efforts to expand and create programs and services for First Nations within the justice system. Brig. Gen. Clifford Walker (Regina): The retired Canadian Forces leader served as an educator, soldier, businessman, volunteer and is recognized for his support for First Nations communities and veterans.