One of the Province's best-known business executives and literacy supporters, Anthony (Tony) Brait, died at his home in Mississauga, Ontario, on July 29, 1996.
Brait, age 72, was the retired president and CEO of New Tel enterprises. Mr. Brait moved to St. John's in 1964 to take on the responsibility of chief engineer with the Avalon Telephone company (NewTel). By 1970, he had become president of the company where he remained until his retirement.
In addition to his enormous professional responsibility with NewTel, Mr. Brait was a tireless worker for the many volunteer service organizations which he supported. In this regard, Mr.Brait served on the Board of the Literacy Development Council from its inception in the fall of 1994. In his service to the literacy cause, Mr. Brait was also instrumental in establishing the Peter Gzowski lnvitational Golf Tournament for literacy. In recognition of his tremendous accomplishments, in business and in his private life, Mr. Brait was awarded the Order of Canada in 1993.
Tony leaves to mourn his wife Margaret, one son Richard and wife Lindsey, and two grandchildren. Along with his family, colleagues and friends, the literacy community mourns the loss of this very distinguished gentleman and friend.
Resource Agreement
The Council reached an agreement with the Fishermen Food and Allied Workers union (FFAW) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to assume responsibility for the resources of the former FFAW Learning Centres. Meetings have been ongoing with both HRDC and FFAW personnel. Council staff have visited a number of the sites and met with various groups to determine the sustainability of alternate forms of delivery using these resources. Several centres are now operating with restricted services.
Strategic Plan
Mun Batstone has entered into a contract with the Council to finalize its strategic plan. The Council expects to have the plan completed and released to provincial stake-holders in the new year. Pending the availability of funding, the Council plans to initiate a provincial strategic plan for literacy next year. Stakeholders will be asked to participate in the planning process.
Coordination Project
The central coordination project, sponsored by the National Literacy Secretariat, has been completed. The Council does not plan to reactivate this position at the present time. The results of the project, and the services provided by Clyde Johnson, received very favourable comments from the majority of evaluation process. The Council would like to thank members of the Central Coordinating committee who gave so freely of their time and expertise.
The committee members are: Kevin Manual, Lillian Moores, Brian Hookey, Ed Oldford and Brenda Foley.
First-Time Readers
The Council has funding to publish at least two issues of First-Time Readers during this academic year. These issues are expected to be published in December and February. The Council would appreciate feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses of this initiative. Commitments for the remaining two issues are dependent upon the availability of funding.
Literacy Notepad
The Council has allotted funding in this year's budget to continue publication of The Notepad. This publication has received favourable reviews from its reading audience. Circulation of the newsletter has also increased. Please continue providing feedback concerning any ideas or submissions you would like to make regarding this publication.
Tutor Training
The Council's Tutor Training program is proceeding on target. Council hopes to have a comprehensive tutor training package available to tutors next year. This program will be available to all literacy stakeholders throughout the province. It will be designed to accommodate the needs of a broad range of tutor demands. The program will be available in a resource based catalogue format allowing tutors to complete specific modules at three different levels.
