Toronto, ON - At a special ceremony in Toronto last night, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation presented the 2003 Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit to New Brunswick journalist Alan White, of the Telegraph-Journal, for his outstanding achievements in enhancing public awareness of the literacy cause in Canada.

The Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit was developed by ABC CANADA in 1993, in honour of the late broadcaster and writer Peter Gzowski, to recognize the talent, effort and commitment required to achieve quality reporting on issues related to literacy. The “Gzowski” memorializes Peter’s remarkable work in the field.

“Alan’s passion for the cause is reflected in his writing,” says ABC CANADA president Christine Featherstone. “The selection committee felt that his body of work best represented the spirit of the Gzowski. ‘Literacy-minded’ journalists like Alan White are critical to both moving the issue forward and improving the literacy rates of all Canadians.”

Since 1996, White has written numerous articles on literacy and education issues in New Brunswick. In particular, his articles have focused on the impact of low literacy skills, informing the public on New Brunswick’s low literacy rates, improving the education system, promoting local literacy programs and literacy advocacy.

“Given Mr. Gzowski’s stature as a giant of both literacy awareness and journalism in Canada, it is humbling to have my name associated with his through this prestigious honour,” says White. “He inspired and encouraged so many to help those who lack the invaluable literacy skills needed to thrive in today’s world. I can only hope that my work in this area may inspire others as well in some small way.”

In addition to receiving a personalized award, a $1,000 donation will be made in White’s name to The New Brunswick Coalition for Literacy, the non-profit literacy organization that nominated him for the award. In her nomination letter, executive director Jan Greer-Langley commended White for understanding the complexity of the literacy issue and putting a “human face” to literacy: “His articles communicate the breadth and depth of the issue and its impact on all citizens - both readers and non-readers.”

Past recipients of the Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit include columnist Joel Jacobson (The Herald), for promoting the literacy issue in Nova Scotia through his weekly column, Bright Spot; the Toronto Star’s Peter Calamai (1996), for his career-long commitment to the literacy issue, including the development of a six-month study of literacy in Canada that featured the first measurement of literacy levels among Canadian adults; and Denise Donlon (1993), formerly of MuchMusic, for her creation of the Rock’n’Roll’n’Reading program.