CALL FOR LITERACY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Premier Lorne Calvert is seeking nominations for the second annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovation and excellence with regard to literacy in Saskatchewan.

Thirteen Council of the Federation Literacy medallions are presented annually, one for each province and territory. In Saskatchewan, the 2006 award will acknowledge the achievement of a community literacy volunteer.

"By recognizing a community literacy volunteer, we are acknowledging the essential role volunteers play in improving literacy within our province," Calvert said. "Volunteers help build a social legacy for this province that will enhance the quality of life in our communities for generations to come. Literacy is a provincial and national priority and governments, organizations, individuals and volunteers play a crucial role in developing a more literate society."

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created in 2005, in partnership with all Canadian premiers, to increase awareness of literacy achievements and programming. Each year, every province and territory will focus the award on achievements in the literacy field, including family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy and will be presented to specific sectors such as volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses.

"Literacy skills are essential to building strong communities, a skilled workforce and a vibrant economy," Minister responsible for Literacy Deb Higgins said. "Bestowing this award on a literacy volunteer for outstanding achievement will hopefully inspire others to devote their time and effort to this cause."

"Volunteer tutors have a tremendous impact on the lives of learners and their families, and in a broader sense, play an important role in strengthening community capacity and civic participation," Saskatchewan Literacy Commissioner Dr. Margaret Lipp said. "As such, we are delighted that the 2006 Council of the Federation Literacy Award will recognize outstanding contributions of a deserving literacy volunteer who is helping others to achieve their goals and experience success."

The award will be presented in the fall of 2006.

Nominations for this award will be accepted until June 22nd, 2006. To nominate an outstanding literacy volunteer online, visit the website: www.sasksmart.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 Email: jacquie.mclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306) 535-2261

Caroline MacMurchy Sask. Literacy Commission Regina Phone: (306) 787-2663 Email: caroline.macmurchy@slc.gov.sk.ca