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Saskatchewan Order of Merit 2017
Murad Al‐Katib
Mr. Murad Al‐Katib is a passionate entrepreneur and leader in the agriculture industry, with
one of the greatest homegrown success stories in Saskatchewan. Growing up in Davidson,
Murad understood the importance of keeping jobs, values and profits at home. Fifteen years
later, as President and Chief Executive Officer of AGT Food and Ingredients, he has opened new
and emerging world markets to Saskatchewan producers and created new Saskatchewan jobs.
A fierce advocate of the agriculture industry, his efforts helped pulses become an integral part
of Saskatchewan’s economy. Throughout his career he has stayed fixed on his vision of “From
Producer to the World”. He is a recipient of the 2017 Oslo Business for Peace Award, the 2017
EY World Entrepreneur of the Year, and the 2016 Global Citizen Laureate by the UN for food for
Syrian refugees.
Mr. Al‐Katib’s philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial spirit benefit people far beyond
Saskatchewan’s borders. Based on a corporate philosophy that he refers to as “compassionate
entrepreneurialism”, Murad has demonstrated a genuine commitment to assisting countries
struggling under political and social unrest. Last year AGT Food and Ingredients, in partnership
with the United Nations, the Red Cross and other non‐governmental organizations provided
food parcels to families in need in Syria, Iraq and other countries. It is estimated these food
parcels have fed approximately 15 million refugees. Through his vision and innovation, his
outstanding work will help Saskatchewan succeed in our efforts to achieve global food security.
Murad Al‐Katib
306‐244‐1318/306‐501‐0975
Regina
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June Avivi
Mrs. June Avivi is an important role model for all Saskatchewan citizens. She dedicates
countless hours to various organizations and causes without any need for recognition. Her
dedication and commitment to creating a better quality of life for some of the province’s most
vulnerable citizens is nothing short of admirable. A retired teacher, Mrs. Avivi’s commitment
has helped make it possible for Saskatchewan students to grow up learning about diversity and
acceptance. She continues to be a dedicated and committed leader and mentor for Holocaust
education, the Jewish community, the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, the
Valley View Centre Family Group and the Transition Steering Committee.
Mrs. Avivi has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities, Early Childhood Education
Council, the Congregation Agudas Israel Synagogue and the Canadian Jewish Congress. She has
proven herself to be the finest example of a dedicated, caring, hard‐working and proactive
volunteer. She has been involved in the Silver Spoon Dinner, a gala fundraising event for
women whose efforts contribute to the Jewish Community, Saskatoon Interval House, Ronald
McDonald House and the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery. Mrs. Avivi is a career giver whose goodness
and commitment have left indelible footprints on our community.
June Avivi
306‐374‐7859
Saskatoon
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Martha Cole
Ms. Martha Cole was born and raised in Saskatchewan. Having traveled and studied world‐
wide, she has chosen to make her home in the province. She defines herself as a landscape‐
based artist whose roots are deeply buried in Saskatchewan soil. She immortalized iconic
Saskatchewan elevators before they were torn down and lost forever. By mentoring and
teaching fellow artists, she is a testament to her unselfish dedication to the craft. Widely
exhibited and collected, Ms. Cole has established a significant reputation provincially, nationally
and internationally as a master fibre artist.
Ms. Cole has presented skills‐based workshops, positively impacting hundreds of individuals
from across the province and nationally by her knowledge, openness and ability to engage and
inspire. Her work has been exhibited throughout Canada and internationally in both solo and
group exhibitions, including venues in the United States and Japan. Ms. Cole’s work is driven by
her environmental concerns and by her connection to the Saskatchewan landscape. In 2010,
she was instrumental in the organization of a touring exhibition All Beings Confluence, a
collaborative project consisting of 250 fabric panels submitted by numerous artists. The
exhibition has toured to 35 venues in Canada and the United States.
Martha Cole
306‐731‐3298
Lumsden
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Roland Crowe
Mr. Roland Crowe was born a member of the Piapot First Nation – Treaty 4 Territory, later
becoming Councillor and then spent six years as Chief. He went on to be Vice‐Chief and then
Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, today known as the Federation of
Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). Over his career, he worked to improve housing conditions
and played a key role in the development of new training and employment strategies, securing
new funding for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.
Mr. Crowe’s term as Chief resulted in completion of a “Hunting‐Fishing‐Gathering” Act of the
FSIN, which was an important step in the application of First Nations Treaty rights, jurisdiction
and management in the area of wildlife resources. Roland spearheaded the historic 1992
Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, resulting in the addition of 1.6 million acres to First
Nations land base. A foundational agreement on gaming with the province was one of his last
achievements with the FSIN, resulting in 1,800 jobs, over 1,100 of which were First Nations
people, in the gaming industry and major wealth creation for First Nations. Mr. Crowe
demonstrates one of the finest aspects of First Nations culture, which is to care and share. His
long service and tireless efforts have resulted in major, positive benefits for his people and for
the First Nations of Saskatchewan and Canada, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of
his people for generations to come. Mr. Crowe truly exemplifies the values and aspirations of
all Saskatchewan people.
Roland Crowe
306‐539‐9200
Regina
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Rod Gantefoer
Mr. Rod Gantefoer was born in Watson, is a long‐time resident of Saskatchewan, and is proud
to call the province home. He has served on various boards and committees, was a founding
member of the Saskatchewan Party, and served as the Minister of Finance and the Government
House Leader. STARS Air Ambulance would not be in Saskatchewan if it were not for his
countless hours spent building partnerships, developing fundraising initiatives and working with
the community, donors and government in order to bring STARS Air Ambulance to the province.
He has helped make it the successful program it is today, with bases in Regina and Saskatoon,
providing the sick and injured with life‐saving transport. In addition to his work with STARS, Mr.
Gantefoer is involved with Parkinson Canada, with the hope of advancing a comprehensive
approach to care for those with the disease – a cause that is near and dear to his heart.
Mr. Gantefoer was the founding President and Chairman of Plains Poultry, today known as
Lilydale Foods. His work in agriculture, philanthropy and politics has allowed him to cultivate a
strong community presence and directly impact and improve the health, safety and quality of
Saskatchewan citizens. He has dedicated his life to building a strong and prosperous
Saskatchewan. Mr. Gantefoer continues to play a key role in keeping families and communities
together and helping save lives.
Rod Gantefoer
306‐921‐7679
Melfort
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Paul J. Hill, C.M.
Mr. Paul J. Hill has provided distinguished business and community leadership in Saskatchewan
throughout his career. As Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, he is the third
generation in the Hill family to lead The Hill Companies in Regina. He has uniquely focused his
significant philanthropic effort on the importance of education to raise people out of poverty
and give them a successful start in the world. As a member of the Order of Canada, he
embodies the Order’s motto DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better
country). He gives his time, talent and financial support for the good of others, particularly in
his local community.
In 1994, Mr. Hill chaired the first major fundraising campaign for the University of Regina, which
raised more than $20 million. In 2007, he made a major commitment to the Paul J. Hill School
of Business at the University of Regina, which included an enhancement of many programs,
student support and a partnership with The Ivey School of Business at Western University. In
2011, together with the Jesuit community, he and his wife Carol as well as many others
established the Mother Teresa Middle School in Regina which is focused on bringing under‐
privileged children out of poverty by giving them the tools to succeed in their lives. The
program is a full eleven year program which includes high school and post‐secondary right up
until the first job. This is the first Nativity Miguel program in Canada and has inspired the same
program to open in Winnipeg. Additional support for students in need goes to those attending
Campion College in Regina, the Hill Business School, The Ivey School of Business, The Athol
Murray College of Notre Dame and teacher training at St. Mary’s University in Calgary.
Being an engaged citizen who cares about the disadvantaged, Paul Hill embodies the values
that we all seek to promote in building a just and compassionate society.
Paul J. Hill
306‐777‐0604
Regina
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The Honourable Robert Laing
The Honourable Robert Laing, former Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, is recognized
for his many contributions to the justice system in the province of Saskatchewan. A former
member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police following graduation from the University of
Saskatchewan, College of Law, he quickly rose to the top of the legal profession where he was
known as a “lawyers’ lawyer”. Mr. Laing was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of
Trial Lawyers, a distinction which is by invitation only.
As Chief Justice, Mr. Laing played a leadership role in promoting access to justice, including
spearheading a total overhaul of the Queen’s Bench Rules of Court to make court proceedings
more efficient and understandable. While Chief Justice, he was responsible for the long‐
needed renovation of the Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench Court House. In addition to his
contribution to the legal community, he supports the people of Saskatoon through his work
with numerous boards and committees. During his years of practice, he was one of the most
well‐respected litigation lawyers in the province. He is a former Bencher and served as the
President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Robert Laing
Saskatoon
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Dr. Roberta McKay
Dr. Roberta McKay is the epitome of a highly‐engaged community leader who demonstrates
excellence, achievement and significant contribution to the social, cultural and economic well‐
being of Saskatchewan residents. She has dedicated a lifetime, as a leader in the Saskatchewan
medical community as well as a keen advocate for the arts.
Dr. McKay is a respected dermatologist and renowned as a patron of the arts and cultural
community in Regina and southern Saskatchewan. Her philanthropic efforts generously
support the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, the Saskatchewan Health Excellence Awards,
Regina Transition House, Regina Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army Waterston House, the
Salvation Army Grace Hospice, the Mayor’s Arts and Business Awards, the Regina Symphony
Orchestra, the Regina Music Festival, the Moustache Bash for the Prostate Assessment Centre,
the College Avenue Renewal Project for the University of Regina, and the Emerging Designer
Award for Saskatchewan Fashion Week.
Dr. McKay’s passion for the well‐being, cultural growth, and diversity of Saskatchewan people is
borne from her belief that it is her responsibility to give back to community.
Roberta McKay
306‐546‐4902
Regina
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Robert Mitchell, Q.C.
(Posthumous)
Mr. Robert Mitchell, former Attorney General of Saskatchewan, was one of the province’s most
distinguished citizens. He served the people of Saskatchewan as a member of the Legislative
Assembly and a member of Cabinet. Mr. Mitchell served as a labour arbitrator and a negotiator
of First Nations Self‐Government agreements. Prior to his retirement, he served as Chair of the
Province’s Public Complaints Commission. He was highly regarded for his thoughtful, respectful
approaches to governance, as well as understanding the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.
He was mindful of his responsibilities as a citizen and aspired to create a stronger, more
inclusive and caring society.
Mr. Mitchell’s achievements as Attorney General in developing timely, less contentious ways of
resolving disputes were national “firsts”. His effort to expand capacity and create programs
and services for First Nations within the justice system was groundbreaking. His leadership
style, which emphasized collaboration and a “cross departmental” approach on Indigenous
issues, was recognized nationally. Mr. Mitchell’s work with the Public Complaints Commission
was recognized by the Canadian Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement naming
its national award in his honour and making him its inaugural recipient. Robert Mitchell worked
tirelessly throughout his career, with civility and consideration of others and with patience and
humility, to build a better province.
Sandra Mitchell
Regina
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Brigadier General (Ret’d) Clifford Walker, C.D.
Brigadier General (Ret’d) Cliff Walker represents one of the finest examples of leadership that
our province has produced, a leader from whom the people of Saskatchewan and Canada have
benefitted greatly. He has served as educator, soldier, businessman, volunteer, supporter of
the First Nations community and champion of military veterans. Brigadier General Walker was
one of only a few generals in the Canadian military from Saskatchewan. He has trained and
mentored people to become leaders themselves and is a role model for the ‘servant‐leader’ –
putting others first and devoting himself to others’ welfare.
During his teaching career he led and inspired students at the high school and university level to
excel; many of his former students are teachers today. Brigadier General Walker is a founding
partner of the Bold Eagle Program, developing leadership in First Nations youth and helping
them to create a vision for their futures. He was the Chief Executive Officer and later Chairman
of the Board of the Corps of Commissionaires, and is President of the Saskatchewan War
Memorial Committee. As a senior commander in Canada’s military and a long‐time educator,
Brigadier General Walker has set the example and contributed enormously to Saskatchewan’s
youth and the leadership of young Canadians.
Clifford Walker
306‐533‐7713
Regina
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