Nova Scotia Celebrates Excellence in Literacy

Mary Smith of New Waterford is being recognized for her accomplishments and dedication with the 2025 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The award is presented annually in each Canadian province to a person who has made outstanding literacy progress and has demonstrated excellence in leadership in their community, school or workplace.

“Mary’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of adult education and skills training,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, during the award ceremony at the New Waterford Library in Cape Breton today, September 12. “Her resilience, determination and commitment to lifelong learning not only brighten her future but inspire other Nova Scotians to believe in their own potential.”

Ms. Smith’s journey with literacy is about defying the odds, including a life-altering disease, homelessness and lack of formal education.

In October 2019, at age 30, she received a liver transplant and entered remission. Seizing the opportunity for a fresh start, Ms. Smith joined the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County the very next day. Despite challenges such as dyslexia, she dedicated herself to daily study and in November 2024, passed all five Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests, exceeding expectations in four.

This academic success sparked a new interest – a career in the skilled trades – and Ms. Smith has just started the metal fabrication program at Nova Scotia Community College.

Her passion for learning inspired her to create a classroom lending library and launch a book club, encouraging others to read.

Quotes:

“My biggest hope is that my story inspires those around me to see that it’s never too late to make big or small life changes, never too late to set yourself on a new path, and never too late to learn.”
— Mary Smith, 2025 Nova Scotia Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient

Quick Facts:

• the Council of the Federation Literacy Award was established in 2004 by Canada’s premiers; 13 awards are presented annually, one for each province and territory
• the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County is part of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, a provincewide system that offers free educational programs for adults at more than 40 locations
• the CAEC, established in Nova Scotia last October, is offered free for adults who do not have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma
• as of July 31, 116 people have received their CAEC accreditation
• every year, September 8 is proclaimed as International Literacy Day

Additional Resources:

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award: https://novascotia.ca/lae/cof-literacy-award.asp

Nova Scotia Adult Learning: https://novascotia.ca/adult-learning/

Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County: https://alacbc.ca/