Premier's Council Awards

Important dates

Overview

Lauren Raymore (right), recipient of the 2017 Gary McPherson Leadership Award, with Sheila Serup, Chair of the Premier’s Council.

The Premier’s Council Awards acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that develop barrier-free, inclusive communities in Alberta.

Barrier-free, inclusive communities allow persons of all abilities to fully participate. Barriers to inclusion may exist at school, work, home or in the community, and can include:

• the physical environment
• systems
• transportation
• communication
• personal supports
• policies and laws
• attitudes and behaviours

Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in making positive, progressive and sustained change towards creating communities where all citizens can fully participate receive special recognition.

An individual, team or organization can only receive one award each year.

Award categories

Gary McPherson Leadership Award

This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership or achievement in enriching the lives of persons with disabilities. The award is named after Dr. Gary McPherson who dedicated himself to furthering the ideals of equality and citizenship for all Albertans. He also served as the first Chair of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Marlin Styner Achievement Award

This award is presented to an individual with a disability who has not allowed their disability to become a barrier in pursuing personal or professional excellence. The award is named after Marlin Styner, an accomplished public speaker who shared his experiences about living with a disability and his passion for equal and fair treatment for all persons with disabilities. He was appointed as a member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities in 2005 and served as Council Chair from 2008 to 2011.

Awards of Excellence

Individuals, teams and organizations can apply. There are 4 award categories:

Education – to an educator, team or organization that has made a significant contribution to a barrier-free and inclusive educational or training program.

Employment – to an individual employer or team that has made a significant contribution to a barrier-free, inclusive work environment.

Community – to an individual, team or organization that has made a significant contribution to a barrier-free, inclusive community in Alberta.

Public Awareness – to an individual, team or organization that has increased the public’s awareness of the benefits and value of barrier-free, inclusive communities. This may be done through public relations, marketing, media, publicity, advertising, promotions or the arts.

How to apply

Step 1. Complete the application form

• If you need a nomination form in an alternate format, or if you require further information, please contact the Council office.
• Any missing information may result in the application not being accepted.
• Complete the application form (PDF, 481 KB).

Step 2. Apply

Submit the completed form by:

Email: pcspd@gov.ab.ca

OR

Mail:
Awards Selection Panel
Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Box 232
Suite 1110, 10055 106 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2

After you apply

• You will get a letter if you are receiving an award.
• All winners will be listed on the Alberta government website.
• Awards will be presented at International Day of Persons with Disabilities events across Alberta.

Contact

To contact the Premier’s Council Secretariat:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-1095
Toll free: dial 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: pcspd@gov.ab.ca
Fax: 780-415-0097

Address:
Suite 1110, 10055 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2

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