Nominations open for Saskatchewan's highest honour

By Your Southwest Media Group

People have until the end of November to nominate illustrious residents for the province's Order of Merit.

The honour, Saskatchewan's highest, recognizes outstanding achievement and service. Previous recipients "are among the most accomplished people Saskatchewan has produced," Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre said.

Those who've received the award since it was established in 1985 have reached "extraordinary success in a wide range of fields" or made "substantial contributions to our province and country," McIntyre said in a statement.

McIntyre will formally invest the 2027 recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit during a ceremony next year. Nine people received the honour in June, including former Canadian Medical Association president Dr. Anne Doig of Saskatoon, longtime Saskatoon Children's Choir director Phoebe Voigts and Prince Albert musician Donny Parenteau.

Nominees must be current or former long-term residents of Saskatchewan. Officials accept posthumous nominations if they are made within a year of the individual's passing. People may submit nominations online, which is preferred, or by mail, courier or in person. See saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards for more information or to file a nomination.

Almost 300 people have been recognized for their significant contributions to agriculture, art, research, volunteering, business, industry, public service and community leadership.