Silver Award Recipients

Community

Description

George Copley, QC

Ministry of Attorney General

Victoria

As the province’s senior constitutional and administrative law lawyer, Copley has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the public service and the province’s legal system.

Office to Combat Human Trafficking,

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Ministry of Children and Family Development

Victoria

Global trafficking in human beings is reported to be the second most lucrative source of income for organized crime. This office was established to work with key provincial ministries, federal departments, municipal governments, law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in developing an integrated response.

Bronze Award Recipients

Community

Description

Andrew Wharton

Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance

Victoria

Wharton’s mission has been to remove barriers to inclusion and transforming the way we think about people with disabilities. Under his leadership, government actions have come together through B.C.’s Disability Strategy to produce a concerted focus for change. 

Alan Markwart

Ministry of Children and Family Development

Victoria

During a public service career spanning more than 30 years, Markwart has continually led and inspired change. In his current role as the ADM, Provincial Services, MCFD, he is directly responsible for a number of programs, including all youth custody centres.

First Voices Capacity Building Project, Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services, and the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council

Victoria, Brentwood Bay, Agassiz, West Vancouver, Lillooet

FirstVoices is a synergistic project designed to achieve language preservation and revitalization while building community capacity in technical skills and digital literacy. The project is a partnership among a number of groups, including the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council, which maintains a growing collection of Internet-based language archiving and education products and services. 

Pacific Rim Bear Smart Program, Ministry of Environment

Ucluelet, Port Alberni

Surrounded by wild forest and marine ecosystems, Ucluelet and Tofino are becoming international tourist destinations. However, both communities have historically experienced conflicts between black bears, residents and visitors. The Pacific Rim Bear Smart Committee is a community-based group that has partnered with the Ministry of Environment, national parks, local government, and other non-profit environmental groups to reduce conflict between humans and bears.