Warren Johnson, formerly a learner, was a volunteer tutor in the Swan River Adult Literacy Program. After obtaining his Mature Student Diploma, he continued as a computer instructor, troubleshooter, and technical support person. He willingly shared his own resources and software to enhance the training. He also supervised a morning program for two participants of the Canada World Youth Exchange who were in the Swan River Adult Literacy classroom for three months. Involved in fund-raising and promotion, he provided motivation for other learners. He has since moved to Winnipeg to enrol at RRCC in computer training himself.

Honourable Mention Certificates were presented to Don Gothard (nominated by the Brandon Literacy Council), Darlene Shade and Fabian Johnson (Salvation Army Literacy Program), and Bill Taylor (Samaritan House Training Centre for Students).

Canada Post Literacy Awards Canada Post Literacy Award Winners (L-R): Regina Ramos-Urban, Rosa Clement, Michel Desjardins, Tina McCarroll (for Rockwood Education Centre)

These awards celebrate the extraordinary efforts of individual Canadian organizations, educators and learners that have significantly contributed to the advancement of literacy. Canada Post is supported in the presentation of these awards by many sponsors, including the National Literacy Secretariat (NLS), National Post, National Bank of Canada, CIGNA Insurance Company of Canada, Les Affaires, Domtar, Canadian Community Newspapers Association, and National Car Rental (Canada) Inc.

Canada Post Leadership Award

The Canada Post Leadership Awards honour one non-profit literacy organization in each province and territory where long-term achievement, innovation, leadership and organizational excellence are exhibited. This year’s Manitoba winner was the Rockwood Education Centre, represented by Ms. Tina McCarroll of Stony Mountain, Manitoba, an LPM member.

Canada Post Literacy Education Award

The Canada Post Literacy Education Awards honour educators, tutors or program initiators for commitment to literacy. They are open to all Canadians who support literacy by working within their communities to improve literacy levels.

Regina Ramos-Urbano of Winnipeg, another LPM member and ALCE Technology Coordinator, was the 1999 winner for Manitoba.

Canada Post Individual Achievement Award

These special awards recognize the achievements of learners who have overcome social or economic barriers caused by lack of literacy skills. They are presented to one English-speaking and one French-speaking recipient in each province.

The awards were created, administered,judged, and presented by Canada Post. LPM was not part of the selection process.

The Canada Post Individual Achievement Award winner (English-speaking category) for 1999 in Manitoba was Michel Desjardins of Stony Mountain. Rosa Clement of St. Pierre-Jolys was the winner in the French-speaking category.