The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced details regarding the Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award and encouraged the submission of nominations for the prestigious award. Since 2004, Newfoundland and Labrador has recognized excellence in the literacy field. This year the category of literacy leader will be acknowledged.

"Literacy and numeracy are the foundation for all learning and the Provincial Government is committed to removing barriers that prevent adults from improving their skills and education," said Premier Williams. "This government is placing a tremendous focus on education. We recognize that education is instrumental to our future success as a province and it must be part of almost every piece of work we do. However, advancing literacy levels requires an integrated approach with key partners such as our post-secondary institutions, industry groups and community-based literacy providers. I am pleased to have the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of literacy leaders through this year�s COF award."

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), and Stella Burry Community Services (St. John�s).

A literacy leader would be defined as someone who, by his or her skill, capability, education, position, or accomplishment, has demonstrated leadership capabilities that have contributed to the advancement of adult literacy development. This contribution could be 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.

"We know that literacy contributes to personal, social and economic development and it is a key indicator of the health and well-being of individuals and families," said the Premier. "Individuals choose to improve their reading and writing skills for a variety of reasons. They look to literacy leaders for guidance and I encourage those in the literacy community to help us recognize the significance of strong leadership capabilities."

Entries must be received on or before April 15, 2008. The award recipients for each province and territory will be announced at the Council of the Federation meetings, scheduled for July 2008. 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, and with the federal government.

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca