ARCHIVED—Outstanding Teachers and Early Childhood Educators Honoured at the Prime Minister's Awards Celebration
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May 15, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the 10th anniversary recipients of the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence and the first recipients of the new Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
"I want to tell you that the work you are doing for Canada's children is important and highly valued. You are helping to build a foundation for the learning, health and well-being of our youngest citizens that will support them throughout their lifetimes," said the Prime Minister. "It was an honour a decade ago, and it is an honour today to acknowledge the vital work that you are doing on behalf of the young people of this country."
A total of 72 teachers and 31 early childhood educators will receive a Prime Minister's Award this year. Of these, 16 teachers and 10 early childhood educators will be honoured at the national (Certificate of Excellence) level. Local (Certificate of Achievement) recipients will be recognized by Members of Parliament at community events later this year. Recipients come from all regions of the country, including one early childhood educator from north of the Arctic Circle. Kindergarten to grade 12 recipients teach a range of subjects, with most using information and communications technologies to enhance their teaching practices.
Representing the Prime Minister at the national award ceremony in Ottawa, the Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, presented certificates to national level recipients.
"I am impressed with the innovative ways you have helped students learn. The international activities you have engaged them in have helped young people see themselves not only as citizens of Canada, but as global citizens," said Minister Rock. "Using the collaborative power of the Internet, you are helping students gain skills not only to compete in the world, but to help make it better."
The Minister was joined at the award ceremony by the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State for Children and Youth. Secretary of State Blondin-Andrew commented on the hundreds of nominations received: "While not everyone can win an award, those who are here today can be seen as ambassadors for all the tremendous work that is going on in schools and early learning settings across Canada."
Secretary of State Blondin-Andrew acknowledged the support of Human Resources Development Canada and Health Canada, who are partners with Industry Canada in the new Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, launched by the Prime Minister in May 2002. She also thanked the corporate partners of the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence: Bell Canada, Canadian Learning Television, General Electric Canada, Kraft Canada, Microsoft Canada and the Royal Bank Financial Group for their tremendous and continued support.
For more details, please contact the Prime Minister's Awards Program Office at 1-800-575-9200 or visit the Prime Minister's Awards website at www.pma-ppm.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Industry Canada Media Relations: 613-943-2502
PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555