The importance of volunteers and government�community partnerships to improve literacy were highlighted today in a special ceremony in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, on behalf of the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented the 2006 Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Evelyn Keener, the provincial award-winner.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created in 2004 in recognition of the importance of literacy as an essential building-block to a vibrant society and economy. The award recognizes the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy and is presented annually in each province and territory.

"Volunteers play a vital role in literacy programming throughout our province and I want to assure them that government is steadfast in our commitment to education at all levels, for all citizens," said Premier Williams. "I thank Ms. Keener for her dedication to literacy. By working with our community partners, I have every confidence that we can achieve our goal to increase literacy levels in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Ms. Keener has lived in Labrador for more than 30 years and has worked as a teacher in Hopedale, Nain, Rigolet and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Upon her retirement as a special education teacher, Ms. Keener took up the cause of adult literacy and began one-on-one volunteering. She tutors people through her involvement in various local literacy organizations and through referrals from a number of different agencies and friends.

"I was pleased to be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today to personally commend Ms. Keener for her work in literacy," said Minister Burke. "The importance of literacy and education cannot be underestimated to our individual growth and our overall success as a province. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate not only Ms. Keener, but all those who give their time and skills to this important work."

The minister pointed out that since 2004, government has invested approximately $17.7 million in literacy initiatives. This includes $6.7 million this year alone, with $250,000 in early childhood grants, $454,000 in community-based adult learning programs and $6 million to College of the North Atlantic for Adult Basic Education programs.

Recipients of the COF award are chosen provincially by representatives of the Literacy Foundation, following a call for nominations. Winners receive a certificate, signed by the Premier of their province or territory, as well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion.

Photo #1: Education Minister Joan Burke and Transportation and Works Minister John Hickey congratulate Council of the Federation Literacy Award winner, Evelyn Keener.

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2007 03 08                                             10:20 a.m.