National News
Canada Post Literacy Awards
Attention: Literacy Tutors, Learners, Practitioners, Groups…

It’s time once again to get your nominations in for the 8th annual Canada Post Literacy Awards. The nomination period — underway since March 28 — continues until May 31, 2000. The awards seek to recognize the achievements of learners, organizations and business in their effort to overcome barriers to literacy.

The awards are open to individuals and organizations participating in, or affiliated with, a recognized literacy program. This year there will be up to 45 awards given out across Canada over four different categories:

Individual Literacy Achievement
Recognizes the achievements of English and French-speaking learners who have overcome barriers to literacy.

Educator Honours educators, tutors or program initiators for dedication and commitment to literacy.

Community Leadership Recognizes one literacy or labour organization, or a special community initiative, in each province and territory which has demonstrated long term achievement and excellence in literacy programming.

Business Leadership Salutes a Canadian business for its leadership in literacy through workplace or special literacy programs. Only one Business Leadership award will be presented.

Copies of the application package are mailed with this newsletter.

Income Tax Help for Learners, Volunteers

For the past 28 years, Revenue Canada now the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), has sponsored the Community Volunteer Income Tax program. The CCRA has asked for your help in conveying information about the program to tutors and learners.

Every year across Canada, volunteers participating in this program help people in their communities, including newcomers to Canada, low-wage earners, students and seniors, prepare their tax returns. In the past ten years, these volunteers have prepared more than 2,289,000 returns for people with straightforward tax situations, and have helped them understand and honour their tax obligations, as well as receive the credits and benefits to which they are entitled.

Learners are encouraged to use this program. Literacy organizations and tutors can “lend a hand” and become involved. Training is available now and CCRA will offer ongoing assistance during the program.

To find out more about how you can get involved in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, contact:

Gwen Antaya
Pacific Regional Coordinator
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
1-877-661-3388
(250) 363-8417 (Victoria)
Collect calls are accepted from anywhere in B.C.