News Releases
Premier Congratulates Public Service Award Recipients
YELLOWKNIFE (June 30, 2009) – Premier Floyd Roland congratulates three members of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Public Service for winning a national Public Service Award of Excellence for 2009.
Sukhi Cheema Manager, Technical Support Section (PWS), Bill Wyness Senior Technical Officer, Architecture (PWS) and Siva Sutendra Superintendent, North Slave Regional Office (MACA) were recognized this month for their collective achievement as members of the joint Federal-Territorial Permafrost Thaw Impact Assessment Team.
Together, these individuals developed a low-cost, powerful tool to measure the impact of permafrost degradation on infrastructure in the North. The tool uses geological knowledge of deep permafrost with information on climate and land surface properties observed by satellite remote sensing.
The team also produced maps tracking the impact of climate change on the permafrost active layer. Using the communities of Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk, Norman Wells and Tulita for a model-based study, the team was able to identify time-frames when building foundations in these communities are likely to be at risk due to climate change.
“The success and recognition that these individuals have achieved is a deserved reflection of their personal dedication and commitment and highlights the innovation and professionalism that exists in our employees,” says Premier Roland.
“This award is a testament to the strength of the public service that is working on behalf of all residents in the NWT."
Understanding and mitigating the potential effects of climate change is an important part of the GNWT’s plan for Managing this Land andhelps the GNWT make good decisions about maintaining the infrastructure needed to deliver programs and services in NWT communities.
Together Mr. Cheema, Mr. Wyness and Mr. Sutendra have a combined total of 65 years of service with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
For more information contact:
Amy Hacala
Communications
Department of Public Works and Service
Phone (867) 873-7445
amy_hacala@gov.nt.ca