Nominations Open for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award

Nova Scotians are encouraged to recognize people for contributions to literacy and learning through the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

Each year, Canada's premiers present one adult learner in each province and territory with an award for learning and leadership progress in their community, workplace or school. The award also recognizes the role literacy plays in the social and economic health of Canadians.

"Improving literacy and essential skills is key to ensuring an even stronger and better trained workforce in Nova Scotia," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "jobsHere and the province's workforce strategy are focused on helping Nova Scotians learn the right skills to find good jobs. This award builds on those efforts and helps encourage Nova Scotians to take an interest in literacy and their own education."

Award winners are selected by a committee of business, community and education organizations.

"Recipients are recognized for how hard they work to overcome obstacles in gaining literacy skills," said Leonard Preyra, acting Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "I encourage Nova Scotians to nominate a deserving learner whose commitment to literacy moves others to embrace lifelong learning."

Winners will be presented with a medallion and a certificate of merit by the premier at a ceremony in the fall.

"Going back to school to get my Grade 12 education after staying home to raise four children for 18 years felt like such an accomplishment," said Kimberlly Nielsen (Connolly), last year's Nova Scotia literacy award winner. "Being recognized through the literacy award made me feel so proud; I'm finally doing something not for my children, not for my husband, but for myself."

Nomination forms are available at www.goNSSAL.ca or by calling toll free 1-877-GoNSSAL (466-7725). The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 22.