2001
Department of Human Resources and Employment (CornerBrook)

Leonard Bursey has shown exceptional work performance on a continuous basis throughout his approximately 34 years in the public service. He began as a Welfare Officer in 1968 and has worked in some capacity in all programs offered by the former Department of Social Services, now the Department of Human Resources and Employment - so he is an invaluable source of information and wisdom when dealing with many areas of program policy and procedures. He is currently employed as a Social Worker within the Support Application Program in the department and is registered with the Newfoundland Association of Social Workers. Yet despite his wealth of knowledge, he is never complacent and provides an example to us all by continual professional development and training.

Leonard pioneered the development and implementation of the Support Application Program and was instrumental in establishing procedures for assisting single parents obtain support orders.

After the amendments to the Family Law Act and Support Orders Enforcement Act in December 1994, 15 people are currently employed throughout the province doing the work he began. It is because of Leonard’s dedication and commitment during the infancy of this program that has resulted in what is considered today a very successful program, providing an excellent standard of client service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Leonard is a conscientious and independent worker, taking initiative and staying on task until the job is done - and done in the best possible way. He deals with clients and co-workers promptly and professionally, treating everyone with dignity and respect and showing exceptional concern for clients in need. Leonard always represents himself and his employer professionally and when called upon, he serves as an excellent ambassador for the department and for government when dealing with outside agencies, organizations and the general public. Leonard is due to retire in the fall of 2002 and will be sorely missed.