Dr. Robert Strang (file/Communications N.S. Photo)

FALL RIVER: A familiar face to those across the province has been awarded the 2020 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

The medal is awarded annually to someone who works in public administration and exhibits the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment.

This year’s recipient is N.S. chief medical officer of health and Fall River’s own Dr. Robert Strang.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Strang has placed the health of Nova Scotians at the forefront of his work, developing and implementing policies with our well-being in mind,” said Lt.-Gov. Arthur LeBlanc. “His commitment to the health of all Nova Scotians has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

Dr. Strang has been chief medical officer of health for the province for more than a decade. He has shown excellence through his leadership and accountability during the province’s public health response to both the COVID-19 and H1N1 pandemics. Dr. Strang continues to guide Nova Scotia through many difficult days while maintaining clear and open lines of communication with Nova Scotians through frequent public briefings.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition during such a challenging year,” said Dr. Strang. “While it’s my face you see and voice you hear when it comes to the COVID-19 response in Nova Scotia, I represent the hard work of hundreds of skilled professionals whose commitment and dedication to public service is truly inspiring. This award is for them, too.”

As a public health specialist physician, Dr. Strang has dedicated his work to the well-being of others. During his career in Nova Scotia, he has played a leadership role in the development of health-focused public policy in the areas of tobacco control and cannabis legalization. Dr. Strang has also led community-centred work on alcohol use, school-based nutrition, vaccination programs, and opioid use and overdose.



The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration is presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, who serves as its patron. It is sponsored by Davis Pier Consulting and administered by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) Nova Scotia.

Quotes:
“It has been a privilege to have Dr. Strang by my side – six feet away, that is – throughout this pandemic. Like so many Nova Scotians, I have sought and trusted Dr. Strang’s advice in making the difficult decisions that affect us all. That advice comes from a sound foundation that he calls the three C’s – caring, compassion and community. What an appropriate reflection of Nova Scotians’ values.”
     – Premier Stephen McNeil

“There’s no question Dr. Strang is deserving of this honour. During a time of unprecedented uncertainty, confusion and fear, he provided honest and empathetic leadership, a steady hand, and a voice of reason – all things he’s has been known for throughout his career. That’s why he’ll always be known as the doctor who made Nova Scotia one of the safest places to live during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
     – Laura Lee Langley, clerk of the executive council, Government of Nova Scotia



“I can think of no better recipient for the prestigious Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Excellence in Public Administration in 2020 than Dr. Strang. His leadership, expertise, clear communications and empathy throughout the pandemic are a demonstration of exemplary public service. It is rare for someone in the civil service to become a household name. Dr. Strang has become that by championing such successful public health measures through this crisis. He is a perfect recipient of this award, and of the national and international recognition he has received.”
     – Mike Davis, managing director, Davis Pier

“Dr. Strang is a highly qualified and well-respected public health practitioner who has made outstanding contributions to the health and wellness of Nova Scotians. Through his leadership and support, he has supported partnership, developed policies and created environments that allow all Nova Scotians to lead healthier lives. He has also contributed and been recognized for his leadership nationally. A strong, compassionate leader who views health issues with an equity lens, Dr. Strang works hard to translate difficult and complex information for Nova Scotians. While he takes this responsibility extremely seriously, he is also known for his sense of humour, kindness and compassion.”
     – Dr. Brendan Carr, president and chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Health

“This award pays tribute to public servants whose careers exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment. Recipients – both past and present – exemplify our core public service values. Dr. Strang represents the very best of these values and in the most challenging of circumstances. Personal integrity. Decency. Humanity. Generosity. Courage. Resilience. He has set a new standard of what can be accomplished with compassion, determination and an unwavering commitment to serve the citizens of Nova Scotia.”
     – Matt Campbell, chair, Institute of Public Administration of Canada – Nova Scotia Regional Group



Quick Facts:
— the Institute of Public Administration of Canada advocates the values and ideals of public service and promotes the highest standard of service to the public
— 33 individuals have been awarded the prestigious medal since 1986

Additional Resources:
Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration: https://www.ipacnovascotia.ca/lg-awards

IPAC Nova Scotia: https://www.ipacnovascotia.ca

Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: https://lt.gov.ns.ca/

Dr. Robert Strang: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/publichealth/cpho.asp

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)