Executive Council
April 29, 2009

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today invited Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to bring forward nominations for the 2009 Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award. This year, submissions for the award are being accepted for the category Literacy Leader.

"Literacy and learning are powerful tools that can transform an individual�s life, and in turn, the well-being and growth of our communities and province," said Premier Williams. "As a government, we recognize the importance of education, from the earliest stages of life into adulthood and have placed a tremendous focus on ensuring an accessible and affordable education system filled with opportunity. Likewise, the Council of the Federation has identified literacy as a key area of importance to all Canadians. This award is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge those who are true leaders in advancing literacy in our province."

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created 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. Newfoundland and Labrador recipients of the award to date are Jamie Garland (Stephenville), Evelyn Keener (Happy Valley-Goose Bay), Stella Burry Community Services (St. John�s), and Lillian Moores (Grand Falls-Windsor).

A literacy leader would be defined as someone, who by his or her skill, capability, education, position and/or accomplishment, has demonstrated leadership capabilities. Their leadership will have contributed to the advancement of adult literacy development in Newfoundland and Labrador either through public awareness, teaching, program development, volunteer work, research or innovation that he or she has initiated, implemented or supported, whether in a family, learning institution, workplace or community setting.

"I know there are many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are dedicated to helping others improve their literacy skills and in doing so, make an important contribution to their communities and indeed, the entire province," said the Premier. "I encourage everyone to think of these individuals and bring their names forward as worthy recipients of this year�s COF Literacy Award."

Entries must be received on or before May 15. The award recipients for each province and territory will be announced at the Council of the Federation meeting scheduled for August. A nomination package and further information are available by visiting the Council of the Federation website: //www.councilofthefederation.ca/literacyaward/literacy.html

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories.

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2009 04 29                                                          12:00 noon