Literacy Programs

Council of the Federation Literacy Award

2009 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipient

Ken Steele of Edmonton, a writer and ambassador for literacy, is Alberta’s 2009 recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. In the words of the Premier, the Honourable Ed Stelmach, “Across Alberta, remarkable adults have been making positive changes in their lives and inspiring others by improving their levels of literacy”. Mr. Steele exemplifies this and has contributed to the advancement of literacy in Alberta.

A literacy instructor at The Learning Centre Literacy Association wrote: “When Ken first came to our program he felt he could not write. Since that time he has had 3 books of short stories and poetry published by the Learning at the Centre Press, wherein he expresses life experiences, thoughts and feelings. Because of his positive attitude and the success that he has achieved he is a very good role model for other participants in the program. He also actively encourages others. Ken has a wonderful openness to learning as he strives to improve his abilities and as he simply enjoys the creative process of writing”.


Ken’s involvement with a network of 17 agencies in northeast Edmonton has helped create literacy friendly organizations. An executive director of a youth organization wrote on behalf of the Northeast Edmonton Literacy Network about Ken’s participation laying the foundation for their work. “Ken has described for us in detail… the embarrassment and fear of living with the fact that he struggled to read and write. The personal stories and experiences that he shared were made yet more inspiring by the humble, gentle and genuine ways in which he presented them. Ken’s willingness to talk about his story provided the impetus for us as a network to explore ways to reduce barriers for individuals accessing our programs”.


The Council of the Federation announced all provincial/territorial award recipients on August 5, 2009 during its meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Message from the Premier

The Premier of Alberta, the Honourable Ed Stelmach is proud to join his colleagues across Canada in celebration of adult literacy. Following is the message from the Premier which called for nominations for the 2009 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Nominations were closed on Friday, May 1, 2009.

History

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created by premiers to recognize literacy achievements in every province and territory.

2008 Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient honored

Daniel Haines, a student with Project Adult Literacy Society and strong advocate for literacy, was Alberta's 2008 recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Minister Horner of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology presented the award to Daniel Haines at an International Adult Learners Week celebration held at CBC Centre Stage on September 11.

2007 Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient honoured

Dr. Mary Norton of Edmonton, an adult literacy educator with more than 30 years of experience in the field, was Alberta's 2007 recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The award was presented to Norton by Advanced Education and Technology Minister Doug Horner at an International Literacy Day celebration at Edmonton City Hall on September 7.

2006 Recipients

Betty Martin of Edmonton, a volunteer tutor with the Project Adult Literacy Society (PALS), was Alberta's recipient of the 2006 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The Council of the Federation announced all provincial/territorial award recipients on July 28, 2006 during its meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland.

2005 Recipients

The first recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award were announced in August 2005 at the Council of the Federation meeting in Alberta.

Alberta's first Council of the Federation Literacy Award was presented to Mr. Leonard Duby of Calgary at a presentation on September 8, 2005.