National Adult Literacy Database

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) will host a webinar on its digital library Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Atlantic time.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.

SEDI is actively seeking nominations from its partners and the public for its 2013 SEDI Awards. Nominations are open until May 9, 2013. Nominate someone who has inspired you and made a real difference in the lives of low-income Canadians through their work or the example of their own life journey.

The federal government has announced a significant investment in Canada's colleges and polytechnics through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The announcement was part of the Minister of State's keynote address at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges' Applied Research Symposium.

The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) invites eligible organizations to submit concept papers to indicate their interest in being part of a pan-Canadian network (PCN) focused on improving the labour market outcomes of Canadians through strengthened literacy and essential skills (LES).

The aim of this survey is to gather a broad base of information about adult learners in Canada. Intended for anyone who has taken an adult learning course over the past year, the survey closes at the end of Adult Learners' Week April 6-14.

Literacy and lifelong learning are important tools that give Canadians the skills necessary to understand how to read, communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in all areas of life. One of the goals of Adult Learners’ Week is to promote and facilitate easier access to these opportunities.

The National Adult Literacy Database has extended the nomination process for its fourth annual Innovation Technology Award. Submissions will now be accepted until April 15, 2013.

Saskatoon Catholic School Board Superintendent Gordon Martell has won a prestigious national award for his tireless efforts to improve First Nations education. Martell said he has fought throughout his career to "revision" how native students are educated, and to develop culturally relevant programs that teach students the history of their people.

Canada Post has honoured the efforts of 24 deserving people from across the country with the Aboriginal Education Incentive Awards. The Awards, which were launched in 2004, acknowledge the hard work and drive required to continue education following an absence from formal schooling.

This series will feature experts discussing the community impact of family literacy development, the latest research in the field of family literacy, and cultural competency.

Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined representatives from the North Central Family Centre to announce funding through the SaskSmart Innovations Fund (SSIF). In total, $482,469 has been allocated to seven different community partnerships to provide literacy services.

Effective February 12, 2013, the Government of Canada's Aboriginal Canada Portal will be closed. The portal was developed in 2001, when it was more difficult to find Aboriginal resources and services on the Internet.

This year's Family Literacy Day celebration (January 27) came just weeks after very encouraging news about literacy and families in Canada. Results from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study show that Canadian parents have one of the highest levels of involvement in literacy-related activities with their preschool-age children. "The results ... confirm that Canadian parents are doing an excellent job in fostering a culture of literacy in the home," said Ramona Jennex, Chair of CMEC and Nova Scotia's Minister of Education.