Prime Minister's Awards
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Prime Minister Honours Canada's Top Teachers and Early Childhood Educators
OTTAWA, March 22, 2005 - Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced the recipients of the Prime Minister's Awards program for excellence in teaching and early childhood education.
"By helping Canada's young learners excel at school, these outstanding teachers and early childhood educators are giving them an important head start in life," said Prime Minister Martin. "They are providing young people with a strong foundation for life-long learning, which is vital to Canada's economic and social success."
A total of 67 teachers and 25 early childhood educators (list attached) are receiving a Prime Minister's Award this year. Of these, 15 teachers and 10 early childhood educators are being honoured at the Certificate of Excellence (national) level. These national recipients were honoured by the Prime Minister at a ceremony today. Certificate of Achievement (local) recipients will be honoured at subsequent community events.
"Children are the promise and wealth of Canada," said David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, who also attended the event. "With these awards, the government and its partners recognize that teachers and early childhood educators play key roles in child development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and, ultimately, a stronger Canada."
"These awards acknowledge how childhood educators provide children with the kinds of critical experiences and learning that will affect them the rest of their lives," said Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, who also participated in the event. "It is right that we honour the talent, skill and dedication of those who play such a vital role in our society."
K-12 recipients teach a range of subjects, using innovative teaching practices to connect with students. From creating an outdoor classroom to using the Internet to link schools from across Canada and Finland, the recipients inspire students to aim high and succeed. Early childhood educators play a significant role in the development and education of young children. They get children out into the community where they enjoy learning opportunities such as sharing and appreciating different cultures.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize the efforts of outstanding teachers in all disciplines who provide students with the tools to become good citizens, to develop and grow as individuals, and to contribute to Canada's growth, prosperity and well-being. The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour outstanding early childhood educators who, through their dedication and skill, have instilled in Canada's youngest citizens a love of learning and helped prepare them to take on life's challenges.
For more information, please contact:
Stéphanie Leblanc
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Sarah Bain
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ken Dryden
Minister of Social Development
613-941-0766
Prime Minister's Office
Press Office
613-957-5555
