Premier Christy Clark announces that Ted van der Gulik inducted into British Columbia Public Service Hall of Excellence
Note to Reader:
The BC Public Service Hall of Excellence was established to recognize those individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the province of British Columbia. The inaugural induction of the Hall of Excellence took place at the provincial Premier’s Awards ceremony in Victoria on October 8, 2014. Ted van der Gulik, President of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, received the 2014 Legacy Award for his career accomplishments with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Ted van der Gulik & Premier Christy Clark
Premier’s Awards Promote Innovation and Excellence
“This event marks the 10th year we have been recognizing and celebrating public service achievements that have made real differences in people’s lives,” said
Premier Christy Clark. “I wanted to find a special way to honour individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to British Columbia. Now the Hall of Excellence is the highest form of recognition public service employees can strive for.”
“Beginning in 2014, recipients of the Legacy award for career accomplishments are also welcomed into the Hall of Excellence.”
“Recipients have tackled some of the most important issues in B.C. today with enthusiasm, dedication and a keen eye as to how to improve programs,” added Mike de Jong, BC’s Minister of Finance.
Ted van der Gulik – Legacy Award
Ted van der Gulik is a “water champion” and passionate about ensuring B.C.’s water resources are protected for future generations. In his 35-year career with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ted has consistently translated vision into action and built an international reputation for leading-edge work in agricultural water management.
Game-Changing Tools
His lasting legacy is represented by two game-changing tools: the Agricultural Water Demand Model and the Water Balance Model.
The Agricultural Water Demand Model helps the agricultural sector be more diligent in water use, plan for future water needs and establish water reserves.
A Lasting Impact
The numerous water projects Ted has led have had a lasting impact on entire watersheds and communities in B.C. His accomplishments have been many, including Premier’s Awards for Water Balance Model and Agriculture Water Demand Model.
His contributions go beyond agriculture and encompass integrated watershed planning initiatives. Ted’s leadership in water conservation and innovative water sustainability practices demonstrates his ability to habitually provide strategic vision and encourage different disciplines to work towards a common goal.
Through his adoption of state‐of‐the‐art irrigation practices, combined with countless achievements in agriculture over his 35 years of public service, Ted is well established as a true leader in managing B.C.’s water resources
Reflections on Making a Difference
“What I enjoyed most about working in the BC Public Service was being able to make a difference,” stated Ted van der Gulik when he reflected on what the Legacy Award means to him. “The opportunity and ability to obtain a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise and then being able to transfer this knowledge to the agriculture sector and others working in water management was very rewarding.”
“As I have now retired from government, I can expand my activities with the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC, continuing to make an effective contribution in tackling land and water management issues. The Partnership is championing a collaborative and adaptive approach to watershed-based solutions, notably through our facilitation of the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative.”
“Launched in 2012, this is a major undertaking. Implementation is through partnerships with local governments in Metro Vancouver and on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The outcomes will help the province move in the direction that has been established by the Water Sustainability Act.”
To Learn More:
To view an 8-minute video of the Awards Ceremony, including the acceptance speech by Ted van der Gulik, click on https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwQqliNTkZWxX2I5Q1VfMXY5V0k/view