Mr. Speaker, congratulations go out to Katie Johnson, the grade one pupil at Centennial Central elementary school in Arva who recently placed first in a CBC radio story writing competition with her story entitled "Henry". Katie exemplifies the importance of the ability to read and write and the personal rewards they can bring.
As an educator, I recognize there are people in every walk of life who, through no fault of their own, may not be able to read to their children or be able to fill out a job application.
I wish to commend the work of the organizers of the National Adult Literacy Database which is located in my riding of London-Middlesex. I praise the efforts of all of the individuals who are working hard to provide literacy training to thousands of Canadians. Their work and the restoration of the national literacy fund by the government will significantly improve literacy skills.