Nature Canada

Nature Canada Former Board Secretary Receives Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Dr. Douglas Schmeiser (S.O.M., Q.C.), Nature Canada’s former Board Secretary, recently received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. The Saskatchewan Order of Merit, established in 1985, is the province’s highest and most prestigious recognition of excellence. It recognizes contributions to the social, cultural and economic well being of the province and its residents.

In his announcement speech, Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart proclaimed this year’s recipients as “an extraordinary group of individuals, who exemplified excellence, determination and passion, and we are all the beneficiaries of their outstanding contributions.”

Dr. Douglas Schmeiser will join His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, the Honourable T. C. Douglas and national broadcaster, Pamela Walin, amongst other past recipients.

Douglas Schmeiser is an outstanding legal scholar, educator and naturalist. During his tenure with Nature Canada (2006-2010) he fought hard for a broad based national organization representing the naturalist communities across Canada.

Dr. Schmeiser served as Dean and Professor of Law at the University of Saskatchewan where he stressed not only the highest competence from his students, but also the importance of respect for the legal system, personal ethics and community involvement within the practice of law. Dr. Schmeiser has served in many advisory roles in federal-provincial conferences, including the negotiations and drafting of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords. His work with the community has led him to extensive volunteer work with the Saskatchewan First Nations Community, including advice on governance and financial issues, and lecturing in the Aboriginal Women of Tomorrow program.

Driven by his passion for education and the rule of law, Dr. Schmeiser has participated in many international projects, including drafting a new constitution for the Republic of the Maldives on behalf of the United Nations. He has also headed a C.I.D.A. project to provide legal assistance to the University of Khartoum, Sudan, advised the Komi Republic on relations with the central government in Moscow, consulted with the Commonwealth Office on constitutional reform in Zimbabwe, and worked on law reform in Tanzania and on judicial reform in Ethiopia.

Congratulations Doug! Nature Canada is very proud of your accomplishments and feels truly fortunate to have had you serve on our Board.

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