She didn't even know she was nominated until she found out she was receiving the award.

On the weekend, former Weyburn Mayor Debra Button was presented with the inaugural Pam McConnell Award by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. McConnell, who was a long-time city councillor in Toronto, passed away last July.

“A smaller lady by stature, but a ball of energy, and a wonderful friend, and I miss her terribly, and to be awarded the inaugural award with her name on it is one of the highest honours I have ever received,” Button said after arriving back in Weyburn from Halifax, where the FCM held the annual conference.

“It’s recognizing the contribution of Canadian municipal experts who have helped in the advancement and promotion of gender equality within the Federation of Canadian Municipalities international programs.”

The nomination was made by the Ukrainian equivalent of the FCM. Button spent a number of years working with Ukraine as the FCM’s representative on gender equality to the nation. While there, she helped the country establish the Association of Ukrainian Cities, and worked towards more female representation.

Button served as mayor of Weyburn from 2007-2016. In addition to working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, she was also the first woman to be named the president of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association.