Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-210
September 4, 2008
Yukon Literacy Leader Receives National Award
DAWSON CITY - Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor presented the Fourth Annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Gordon Hardie of Dawson City today on behalf of Premier Dennis Fentie.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award is presented annually to a literacy leader in each province and territory. All winners were announced in July.
"Gordon Hardie has shown great leadership in the field of literacy," Taylor said. "Gordon has made outstanding contributions to literacy in Yukon, both as a learner and as a leader in his work promoting literacy for all."
The Council of the Federation was created in 2003 to help the provinces and territories play a leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian federation and to build a more constructive and cooperative federal system. Premier Dennis Fentie represents Yukon in the Council of the Federation which comprises all 13 of Canada's premiers.
"When I first saw the press release that talked about me getting the award I was surprised; I did not think that I deserved it," Hardie said. "I am not used to being praised like that. I find it hard to believe that I have done all this and that I am actually helping others. At first I just wanted to read a bit for me but when I learned I realized that I wanted to help others to learn too. I guess I am doing it now and it feels great."
Past Yukon Council of the Federation Literacy Award winners are George Green, Rock Brisson and Patty Wiseman.
A full list of recipients of the 2008 Council of the Federation Literacy Award and more information about the awards is on the Council of the Federation website.
A Yukon government news release announcing Gordon Hardie’s award was issued on July 18, 2008.
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A backgrounder is attached.
| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Michele Royle Communications, Education 867-393-7102 michele.royle@gov.yk.ca |
Backgrounder:
Gordon Hardie is an inspiring literacy learner as well as a literacy leader. He is described as one of the most dedicated and reliable students at the Dawson Campus of the Yukon College and is an inspiration for Yukon learners.
Hardie was chosen to represent Yukon learners by joining the Literacy Action Network, which meets twice a year in Ottawa to discuss issues related to being an adult learner in Canada. In that role, he works to identify literacy needs and services and possible gaps in Yukon. At the grassroots level, Hardie is always active in promoting community literacy.
Hardie has spoken at the Literacy Summit in Whitehorse and has become increasingly involved with promoting literacy in Yukon. He is the Adult Learner Representative for the Literacy Action Network.
In addition to the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, Hardie has won the Canada Post Literacy Award for Adult Learners and was named a Literacy Hero by the Yukon Literacy Coalition.