Lorne Calvert will receive the Order of Merit (photo courtesy University of Saskatchewan)

It's the highest honour bestowed by the province, and today, two Moose Javians will receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. 

Created in 1985, the Order of Merit recognizes individuals who have contributed to the economic, social and cultural wellness of the province.  Moose Jaw's Yvette Moore and Lorne Calvert are among the ten recipients this year, and Calvert says his history in both politics and ministry were cited as reasons he was nominated for the honour.

"They have spoken of my work with the church, with congregations in Gravelbourg and (Zion Church) in Moose Jaw," said Calvert. "They have spoken of my work now with St. Andrews College at the University of Saskatchewan, and the years of course in public life.  I think it is a combination."

Order of Merit recipients have been nominated by others, and Calvert says it's an honour he shares with many.

"None of us receive this kind of an award by virtue of our own efforts, without many others who have shaped our lives, supported us, challenged us, inspired us, and in many cases worked alongside of us. These are not really individually-earned awards, they are often the combination of community, friends and family."

Calvert was born in Moose Jaw December 24, 1952 and following high school he obtained a BA in Economics at the University of Regina before attending St. Andrew's College seminary in Saskatoon, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity in Theology.  He was ordained as a United Church minister in 1976, and following some rural stints, came to be minister at Zion church in Moose Jaw.

Calvert entered politics by running for the NDP, and winning, in the Moose Jaw South riding, which would be renamed Moose Jaw Wakamow during his tenure.  Calvert held several cabiniet positions, including Minister of Health, Minster of SaskPower and SaskEnergy, and Minister of Social Services. 

Following a two-year break from politics in the late 90s, Calvert re-entered politics and ran for the leadership of the provincial New Democratic Party.  He was elected leader and assumed the position of Premier from Roy Romanow, and also represented Romanow's previous riding in Saskatoon-Riversdale.

Calvert was Premier from 2001-2007, when the Sask Part defeated the NDP in the provincial election.  Calvert stayed on as NDP leader until 2009, when he retired from politics.  He soon took the job he has now, principal at St. Andrews College at the University of Saskatchewan.

In addition to Lorne Calvert and Yvette Moore, here are the other Order of Merit recipients:

Mr. Jack Brodsky, Saskatoon

Dr. Wilf Keller, Saskatoon

Ms. Anne Luke, LL.D., Regina

William (Bill) McKnight, P.C., LL.D., Saskatoon

Maestro Victor Sawa, Regina

Ms. Ellen Schmeiser, Q.C., Saskatoon

Dr. David E. Smith, O.C., F.R.S.C., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (previously from Saskatoon and Regina)

Mr. Henry Woolf, LL.D., Saskatoon