Department of Education, Aliant Telecom win national award for public-private partnering

The Department of Education�s Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI) and Aliant Telecom have been presented with a national award by the Canadian Council on Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP).

During a November 24 ceremony in Toronto, CDLI, which delivers e-learning programs to schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and Aliant Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in Atlantic Canada, received the silver award in the infrastructure category of the 6^th National Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships.

Education Minister John Ottenheimer congratulated department staff, particularly those directly associated with CDLI, as well as Aliant Telecom officials, for this tremendous achievement.

"We are extremely proud of CDLI�s accomplishments since its official launch in October 2002," Minister Ottenheimer said. "This national recognition is a clear indication that Newfoundland and Labrador is leading the way, not only in distance learning, but in innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors."

The award-winning project involved the provision of a dedicated frame relay network which significantly increased bandwidth for rural and remote schools. This resulted in faster, more reliable connectivity which, in turn, allowed students to take greater advantage of courses offered through CDLI.

"Through our agreement with Aliant, and with the development of distance education technology, we are able to implement one of the most progressive initiatives ever established in our education system," Minister Ottenheimer said. "We are extremely proud the Canadian Council on Public-Private Partnerships has acknowledged this fact and has honoured CDLI and Aliant with this prestigious award."

The Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation currently offers 25 high school courses to students at 95 schools throughout the province.

The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships established its awards program in 1998 to honour governments and their private sector partners who have demonstrated innovation and excellence in the creation of partnerships which benefit the public at large.

Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906

2003 11 27                                        1:55 p.m.