Premier Williams encourages nominees for the Council of the Federation Literacy Awards

Premier Danny Williams today encouraged qualified residents to apply for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award presented in each of Canada�s provinces and territories to recognize outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy.

"We have many individuals in our province who volunteer their time to help those that struggle with literacy," said Premier Williams. "Volunteers are the heart of any community and the Council of the Federation Literacy Award is a wonderful way to recognize individuals that give so much to others and ask for nothing in return."

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was established by the premiers in July of 2004 and, this year, will recognize those that have given of their time to improve the lives of adults in our province that have low-literacy skills. Nominees must be 18 years of age or older and have volunteered in an adult literacy program for at least six months and have been active within the last six months. Nominees must not have received any remuneration for their service. They must also have a strong letter of recommendation from a recipient of volunteer services such as an agency representative or the literacy student. Candidates may also nominate themselves. The application deadline is June 2, 2006.

"Our province will host the Council of the Federation Conference July 26 � 28 in St. John�s, along with a pre-conference meeting in the Humber Valley region on July 25. Upwards of 400 delegates, including members of the national media, will be attending this conference which will provide a wonderful opportunity to promote Newfoundland and Labrador and what makes it such a special place," added Premier Williams. "We look forward to hosting the country this summer, and I encourage all residents to nominate deserving volunteers for the distinguished Council of the Federation Literacy Award."

Further information and nomination packages are available on the Council of the Federation website: www.councilofthefederation.ca

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500 or elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2006 05 29                                   1:15 p.m.