The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Paul Dinn, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding local organization that helps adults facing barriers to fully participate in their community.

Stella’s Circle is the most recent recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to have them in the gallery today.

This award is presented to learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations and businesses in each province and territory, and celebrates adult learners who undertake literacy training and the contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy.

Speaker, Stella’s Circle was chosen for their commitment to adult literacy and enhancing programming to give more people the opportunity to participate in literacy initiatives.

In 2025, Stella’s Circle launched a new foundational literacy and numeracy program to support learners facing additional barriers. These new services are specific to newcomers, and the program is designed for learners who may not yet qualify for traditional Adult Basic Education pathways.

Congratulations to Stella’s Circle on being honoured for its dedication and efforts to provide literacy education, employment services, mental health programming and affordable housing.

Speaker, let us celebrate the dedication of Stella’s Circle and their efforts to further literacy for all of us.

Thank you.