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Recognizing Literacy Leaders

2009 Council Of The Federation Literacy Award

August 5, 2009

Sarnia-area literacy champion Jean Doull has been named the Ontario winner of the 2009 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

A prominent member of her local literacy community, Ms. Doull has been a strong advocate for language and basic skills training for over 25 years. She began her career working on public awareness and fundraising for literacy programs, and recently retired from the post of Executive Director of Organization for Literacy Sarnia-Lambton after 20 years – with half that time spent at the helm.

Ms. Doull is one of thirteen winners from each province and territory announced at the annual summer meeting of the Council of the Federation (COF), held in Regina August 5-7, 2009.

Council of the Federation Literacy Award

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created by Canada's Premiers in 2004 to recognize the valuable contributions made by Canadians to literacy. The award celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of literacy advocates. Winners are honoured for their work in a diverse range of areas, including family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy.

Nominees may include educators, volunteers, learners, and community organizations, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Ontario’s award is a single prize, presented annually to either an Anglophone or Francophone recipient. Winners are announced annually at the summer meeting of Canada's Premiers.

The first recipient of the award (2005) was Rita Buffalo, Literacy Co-ordinator for the Anishnawbe Skills Development Program in Thunder Bay.

Last year, the award was presented to Alfred Jean-Baptiste, a popular Toronto community and literacy leader, author and educator.

Selection Committee

Ms. Doull was chosen by a three-member selection committee of literacy experts:

Alfred Jean-Baptiste is Executive Director of Toronto’s Centre for Community Learning & Development, and was the COF Literacy Award winner in 2008. His career has seen him play a leading role in literacy public awareness and in helping adult literacy learners access higher education.

Julie Leclerc is a Cultural Programs Advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Culture. Previously, she was a Bilingual Coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Prior to her work at the Ontario Public Service, she taught French to adult learners, and was a literacy volunteer for libraries and not-for-profit agencies.

Yvonne Morrison is an officer with the Aboriginal Education Office at the Ontario Ministry of Education. She has been involved in education for 21 years, as a teacher, facilitator, consultant, coordinator, and administrator.

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