Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
September 8, 2015

Lifelong Learning Supporting Strong Communities

Premier Announces Council of the Federation Literacy Award Winner on International Literacy Day

Today (Tuesday, September 8) is International Literacy Day and the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is pleased to use the occasion to announce that Russell Simms of Fortune is the provincial recipient of the 2015 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for his achievements in literacy. Mr. Simms is one of 14 recipients across Canada to receive the distinguished award.

"A heartfelt congratulations to Russell Simms on receiving the 2015 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Newfoundland and Labrador. The award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in the literacy community and Mr. Simms certainly embodies all of the qualities that this prestigious award recognizes. His success in his education and career make him an outstanding example of what individuals can achieve through the pursuit of literacy."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Since 2005, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award has been awarded in provinces and territories across Canada. Created by Canada's premiers, the award recognizes the valuable contributions of Canadians in the field of literacy, particularly in the areas of family, Aboriginal groups, health, workplace, and community literacy.

Mr. Simms entered Adult Basic Education at Keyin College in Fortune, after being out of school for more than 30 years. After completing the Adult Basic Education program, he went on to further post-secondary training and is now working as a registered apprentice carpenter.

"I am very honoured to be the Newfoundland and Labrador recipient of this award. In my experience, I believe that you truly are never too old to learn. I also want to say thank you to Mr. Gary Higgins, my Adult Basic Education (ABE) teacher at Keyin College, for his support and guidance."
- Russell Simms, Provincial recipient of the 2015 Council of the Federation Literacy Award

Literacy and adult learning are being highlighted today through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International Literacy Day, with this year's theme being Literacy and Sustainable Societies. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that focusing on increasing literacy and skills development is essential to help the province fill available jobs and sustain economic development for future generations.

"The Provincial Government continues to recognize the importance of supporting literacy and essential skills development. As we move forward, we will continue to build on the considerable investments we have made in adult literacy initiatives such as Adult Basic Education, which is supporting the Population Growth Strategy Workforce Development Action Plan and helping to address the needs of individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Any person or group can nominate an individual for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Nominees must be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, be 18 years of age or older, and have participated in an adult literacy, workplace literacy or Adult Basic Education program for at least six months.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that Russell Simms of Fortune is the provincial recipient of the 2015 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for his achievements in literacy. The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy.
• Literacy and adult learning are also being highlighted today through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International Literacy Day, with this year's theme being Literacy and Sustainable Societies.
• In the past decade, the Provincial Government has invested $80.3 million in adult literacy initiatives such as Adult Basic Education, which is supporting the Population Growth Strategy Workforce Development Action Plan and helping to address the needs of individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• For more information on the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, please visit: www.canadaspremiers.ca/en/initiatives-home .

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnivey@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca	Russell Simms 709-832-5317

2015 09 08                              2:10 p.m.