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The award was presented to Ms. Bruce by the Honourable Barbara A Hagerman, Lieutenant Governor, and Keith Hillier, Regional Chair of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) at a ceremony at Government House on April 4, 2008.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the public sector by employees who exhibit high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment, and whose exceptional achievements have been shown distinctive leadership in public administration in Prince Edward Island.

“I have had the distinct privilege of working with Verna for the past 10 years, and I can attest to the significant contribution she has made in her work and community,” said Keith Hillier, who introduced the winner of the award.

“Verna is considered a model public servant who has shown an unwavering desire to foster a family-friendly workplace at Veteran Affairs resulted in a number of programs aimed to help employees, such as support network for child care, elder support and employee wellness,” said Mr. Hillier. “Verna has empowered everyone around her through the sharing of information, her support of strong decision making and constant encouragement for innovation.”

“Verna is respected by every veteran who has come to know her. She has earned this respect and a reputation for going above and beyond - by being responsive to any and all requests, for being instrumental in building a strong team to deliver and constantly improve programs for veterans,” said Mr. Hillier. “Verna has provided strong leadership in reshaping the way in which Canada’s Veterans are served.”

Keith Lambe of Aliant PEI, the annual sponsor of the award, stated that Aliant is delighted to support this award and that Verna Bruce considers public service not just as a career, but as a way of life.

Verna Bruce received her university education at Mt. Allison and Carleton University. She began her public service career as an Administrative Trainee with the Government of PEI in May 1974. In 1985 she was appointed as Director of the Division of Home Care and Support and helped to create the first integrated provincial home care program. In 1988 Verna was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services with responsibilities for social programs. In 1990, she became the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services in PEI. In 1996, Verna was appointed as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Verna joined Veteran Affairs Canada in January 1998 as the Associate Deputy Minister.

On the community front, Verna has held several positions including Vice-Chair of CHANCES Family Resource Centre, and Executive Committee Member of the Vanier Institute for the Family. Verna lives in Charlottetown, PEI. She has two children, Nigel and Becky, and three grandchildren.

The Institute of Public Administration of Canada is a Canadian nonprofit organization committed to advancing excellence in the public service through learning, networking and celebrating achievement among government, colleges, universities and others interested in public administration.