2001 Amethyst Award
Black Bear Investigation Enforcement Team
Ian Anderson, Sheri Beaudin, Gary Couillard, Lindsey Delean, David Kunkle, Michael J. Morencie
Ministry of Natural Resources
This team conducted special investigations to curb the illegal sale of wildlife and wildlife parts. In some world markets, a black bear gall bladder is worth $50,000. Our award recipients’ investigations led to 51 charges being laid throughout northeastern Ontario and the United States. Fourteen individuals were apprehended and fined more than $91,000.
See full story in "MNR Compass Special Edition"
Officer’s Couillard and Anderson with black bear gall bladders
The Amethyst Award presented to Ontario Public Servants was established in 1993 and designed to recognize outstanding achievements by people, not programs, in the Ontario Public Service (OPS). These are people who have extended themselves, whether in creating a whole new way of delivering a service, developing time and money-saving technology, or showing extraordinary professionalism and care in performing their daily tasks.
The award is a lucite trophy featuring Ontario amethyst and bearing the award logo. Recipients are also presented with certificates (signed by the Secretary of Cabinet and the Premier) and a lapel pin.