Len Taylor

TAYLOR MAKES PEACEKEEPERS DAY A REALITY

With initiative and support from The Battlefords MLA, Len Taylor, Saskatchewan residents who have served on United Nation’s peacekeeping missions now have a day they can call their own.

The Saskatchewan Legislature, November 20 unanimously passed a Bill declaring August 9^th, U.N. Peacekeepers Day in Saskatchewan.

The Bill, put forward by MLA Len Taylor (The Battlefords) recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of United Nations peacekeepers who previously lived or are now living in Saskatchewan. Taylor says he was motivated to bring forward the legislation after participating in a recognition program in North Battleford this summer where UN peacekeepers told him that at that time Saskatchewan did not have a day to pay respect to peackeepers.

Speaking in the Legislature, Taylor said it is important to honour those who served us in direct conflict, and those who served us in the pursuit of peace.

“We need to honour those who selflessly contribute to international peace and security and this is especially important here in Canada because the UN peacekeeping force is a Canadian innovation, for which former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson won a Nobel Peace Prize.

“Today we set in place legislation that will ensure that every August 9^th from this point forward will give Saskatchewan people reason to take pause and think about the role that peacekeepers have and continue to play in our world,” Taylor said.

The Bill received all three readings in one day and was passed after a short debate in the Legislative Assembly. It compliments similar Legislation passed earlier this year in the Parliament of Canada. Other provinces have also recognized August 9^th as the National Day for peacekeepers within their jurisdictions.

“I was pleased to work with UN Peacekeepers in Saskatchewan to establish specific Legislation that provides recognition for those who have kept, and are still keeping peace on our behalf.

“There will always be a role for peacekeeping in the world and Saskatchewan people need to be acknowledged for the courage, commitment, and compassion that it takes to be a peacekeeper today,” Taylor said.

Saskatchewan Legislative AssemblyTuesday, November 5, 2008Hansard Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Mr. Taylor: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. North Battleford is home of one of seven community-based sports halls of fame in Saskatchewan. It is managed by a large team of volunteers throughout The Battlefords and has amassed over the last 20 years a collection second to none in the province. As has been said, Mr. Speaker, you go in to look around for half an hour and you?ll stay for half a day. On Saturday, November 1, the eighth annual induction ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held. This year?s inductees are Alex “Wuttunee” Decoteau, originally from the Red Pheasant First Nation, an athlete and soldier who, as a runner, represented Canada in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden; Fiona Smith Bell, a women?s hockey great who played nine years with the Canadian national program and brought home nine international medals; Ray Hickson, whose community-building efforts in many fields included an extraordinary commitment to The Battlefords minor baseball program, especially for equipment and facilities. Also inducted were two teams: first, the 1999-2000 North Battleford North Stars hockey team, which became the first team in franchise history to capture the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League title, and with it went on to achieve the Anavet Cup; and, Mr. Speaker, the 1958 North Battleford Junior Beavers baseball club, which captured its first provincial junior baseball championship in the history of the Saskatchewan Junior Baseball Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to recognize and congratulate this year?s inductees and the hard and dedicated work of the volunteers of the North Battleford Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

HansardSaskatchewan Legislative AssemblyOctober 29, 2008 Remembering Founder of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Mr. Taylor: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A week ago Saskatchewan lost, if not one of its most significant citizens, then certainly its most enthusiastic baseball fan in the province. Dave Shury, whose lifelong passion for baseball led to the creation of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, passed away on Wednesday, October 22. He was 78 years of age and had lived with multiple sclerosis since 1955. Dave Shury’s love of Saskatchewan’s proud baseball history, the communities which supported it, and the many talented and dedicated players, coaches, builders, and fans resulted in a commitment to document and celebrate that history, a commitment that has now spanned decades. The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in the town of Battleford continues to draw hundreds people every year to relive the past and bask in the glory of this sport that once dominated small town Saskatchewan. The stories that have been preserved and that are still being unearthed tell a tale of settlement, of love and love lost, of courage, of glory, of comedy, of tragedy, and of community. Dave Shury’s commitment and passion has been shared with all of us. It has and will continue to make us better people and remind us of the simple fact that indeed baseball is life. Dave Shury’s life and his passion will be celebrated by his family and friends on Thursday, November 6 in Battleford. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. His legacy to the people of the province of Saskatchewan past, present, and future must continue to live on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Awards Banquet Mr. Taylor: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m rising to recognize the hard work and dedication of the members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, who on October 18 held their 62nd annual general meeting in The Battlefords, and to congratulate three local individuals who were honoured at the association’s awards banquet. The banquet pays tribute to exceptional individuals and communities who through their efforts and skills have made outstanding and extraordinary contributions towards the betterment of the parks and recreation movement in Saskatchewan. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my name to those congratulating this year’s volunteer award recipients who come from The Battlefords. The Facility Operator Award was presented to Kelly Oliphant, who for the past 13 years has been employed by the town of Battleford. The Fitness Leadership Award was presented to Nicola “Nikki” Holtzhausen, a 12-year fitness leader and now a fitness instructor with the city of North Battleford. And the Citation for Outstanding Achievement was presented to Bernie Albers, a professional for more than 25 years, who is the parks and recreation director in the city of North Battleford. Each of these recipients are well known throughout The Battlefords and I call upon all members of the Legislative Assembly to join me today in recognizing and applauding their achievements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!