OTTAWA - At 79, Cecil Oliver, an employee of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is still going strong as he celebrates 60 years in the Public Service of Canada. Mr. Oliver's accomplishments were recognized today in a ceremony attended by employees of the department where he has worked for the past 37 years. "Serving the public is indeed a high calling, and many hundreds of thousands of public service employees have found it to be a fulfilling career choice - using their talents to improve the lives of Canadians," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Mr. Oliver has been a great ambassador for the department and for Canada, demonstrating commitment and dedication, day in and day out." Mr. Oliver began his career in 1945 at the age of 19, when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. He worked in a number of positions in the field of surveys and mapping, travelling by horse and later by helicopter. In 1968, he joined the Aeronautical and Technical Services division in the Mapping Services Branch of what is now NRCan. He continues to work there as a senior technologist, in charge of compiling and recording air-traffic control charts. In honour of his long and dedicated service to Canada, Mr. Oliver received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in January 2003. Along with holding the record for the longest service of any currently active employee of the Public Service, Mr. Oliver may be the longest-serving public service employee in Canada's history, according to the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada. Later this week, Mr. Oliver will also be recognized at the Public Service Award of Excellence ceremony. The ceremony is part of National Public Service Week (June 12-18), which honours the many contributions public service employees make to Canadian society. The work of Mr. Oliver and all employees of NRCan enhances our quality of life by supporting our natural resources sectors, which are a vital part of Canada's economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada's commitment to building on the strength of our country and our people. FOR BROADCAST USE: Cecil Oliver, who has worked in the Public Service of Canada for 60 years, was recognized today in a ceremony in Ottawa for his long service record. Mr. Oliver, an employee of Natural Resources Canada, is currently the public service's longest-serving employee, and at 79 he is still going strong. For more information, media may contact: Ghyslain Charron Tom Ormsby Media Relations Director of Communications Natural Resources Canada Office of the Minister Ottawa Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447 Ottawa (613) 996-2007
