Executive Council
Education
April 13, 2011

Premier Encourages Nominations for Council of the Federation Literacy Award

Nominations for this year’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award are now being accepted, and the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is encouraging people to recommend an individual in their community who has contributed to the advancement of adult literacy in this province.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was established in 2004 to recognize outstanding achievements in literacy in provinces and territories throughout the country.

“Each year in this province, we recognize leaders and the tremendous work they do in the promotion of literacy,” said Premier Dunderdale. “They are committed to inspiring and empowering their fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians regarding the benefits of lifelong learning and improving their literacy skills. It is through their hard work that others are able to fully participate in, and contribute to, their communities.”

A literacy leader is someone, who by his or her skill, capability, education, position or accomplishment, has demonstrated leadership capabilities which have contributed to the advancement of adult literacy in this province. This can be achieved through public awareness, teaching, program development, volunteer work, research or innovation that he or she has initiated, implemented or supported.

“The Provincial Government has made significant investments in literacy in recent years,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “Since 2004, $48 million has been allocated to help adult learners strengthen their literacy skills. With this level of funding, and working with our literacy partners throughout the province, we are laying the groundwork for people to pursue post-secondary education and participate more fully in our province’s growing economy.”

The winner will receive a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion, presented at a special ceremony. The award recipients for each province and territory will be announced at the premiers’ summer 2011 meeting of the Council of the Federation.

Nominations must be received on or before May 2. Nomination packages can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/edu.

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2011 04 13                                                                            1:30 p.m.