News releases

Globally some 796 million adults lack minimum literacy skills

In recognition of International Literacy Day, Canada Post today announced the winners of its 2011 Community Literacy Awards. There are 13 winners - seven in the Educator category and six Individuals from all parts of Canada. The Canada Post Community Literacy Awards program began in 1993 to recognize literacy learners and the community-based organizations that support them.

"Four out of ten adult Canadians aged 16 to 65 – 9 million Canadians - struggle with low literacy,” said Liz Farquhar, Director, Corporate Events, Sponsorship Programs and Donations. “This year’s Literacy Awards recipients are representative of the kind of courage and effort it takes to improve their reading and writing skills and, as a result, their quality of life. Their stories are compelling.”

2011 Community Literacy Awards Winners

Individual Achievement - English

• Wayne Riechert (Alberta)
• Nadine Shelton (British Columbia)
• Beverly Arbeau (New Brunswick)
• Yvonne Lyon (Ontario)

Individual Achievement – French

• Serge Côté (Québec)
• Mahamadou Traoré Sangaré (Yukon)

Educator – English

• Shannon Boyer (Alberta)
• Joey Sahli (British Columbia)
• Lori Sauvé (Ontario)
• Karen Ford-Doyle (Prince Edward Island)
• Donah Littlemore (Saskatchewan)

Educator – French

• Rita Godin (New Brunswick)
• Hélène Goasdoué (Québec)

Prizes and awards will be presented at local ceremonies over the next few weeks; winners will be recognized at ceremonies in their communities and awarded a prize of $300 (Individual) or $500 (Educator).