OTTAWA, October 5, 2010 — Minister of Industry Tony Clement, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, today launched the nomination process for the 2010 Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Since 1994, October 5th has been celebrated as World Teachers’ Day – a perfect occasion to launch the 2010 awards and announce this year’s special Space Award for teachers.
“The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education demonstrate our government’s commitment to those who help young people obtain the knowledge and skills they need to reach their full potential,” said Minister Clement. “This year the Space Award is being introduced, an exciting topic that inspires young people to learn about science and space. Canada has an outstanding space program and I hope this new award will highlight the excellent work being done by our fine astronauts and our space agency.”
The Prime Minister’s Awards for both teaching and early childhood education underscore the Government’s commitment to outstanding Canadian educators. This includes disciplines at all grade levels, from early learning and child care through secondary school. Award recipients are leaders and innovators, developing creative and effective ways to help students learn and excel – ranging from innovative approaches in early childhood development to exceptional use of information and communication technologies in the classroom. “Preparing today’s children for success in the digital economy and tomorrow’s society is crucial, and the winners of these awards are making an important contribution toward that goal,” said Minister Clement.
Up to 90 Prime Minister's Awards are offered to educators across Canada, with up to 65 Awards for Teaching Excellence (15 Excellence and 50 Achievement) and up to 25 Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (10 Excellence and 15 Achievement) available. Under the Teaching Excellence awards, the Space Award will be presented to a top-ranked teacher (or teaching team) who has demonstrated outstanding, innovative and creative teaching in the areas of space sciences, technology, engineering and/or mathematics in a K-12 setting.
The Prime Minister’s Awards are administered by Industry Canada on behalf of the Prime Minister, in partnership with Health Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Minister Clement also expressed his thanks to the program’s corporate partners – the RBC Foundation and Research In Motion Limited – for their generous support, as well as the Canadian Space Agency for its assistance regarding the new Space Award.
Nominations for both sets of awards close on November 30, 2010. The Prime Minister’s Awards of Excellence will be presented at a ceremony in Ottawa next spring.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
