Community IT Hero Award

The Community IT Hero Award was created to recognize individuals who have assisted their communities in a significant way through the use or application of information technology (IT). It is sponsored by the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), in conjunction with Industry Canada. The awards are presented during Canada's IT Week.

This awards program achieves the grassroots objective of getting communities involved in IT through identifying and selecting heroes who have made a significant difference in the lives of their communities. The selection committee consists of people from communities all across Canada.

I was unable to attend the awards dinner at St. John's on May 8, due to a prior commitment. My award was presented during the local Cap Day, May 10, at which time the Fortune Memorial Library Community Access Centre was officially opened. The presentation (Left) was done by Harvey Tulk, Councillor, Fortune Town Council.

Also in attendance was the district MHA, Judy Foote, Minister of Trade, Technology and Rural Development (Below). My granddaughter, Faith, cut the CAP ribbon and was present for all the photos.

Receiving this award is quite an honour and also very humbling, especially when you look closely at the selection criteria. I am very grateful to Corey Parsons, Fortune Recreational Director, for filing the nomination.

Nominations are received from across Canada and are then reviewed by the selection committee. Only five of the successful nominees were from Newfoundland and Labrador in 2003.

Successful recipients must demonstrate the following criteria:
   *ability to demonstrate IT success at the local level;
   *ability to demonstrate originality and innovation in the use of IT;
   *make a difference in people's lives and benefit their community;
   *serve as a potential prototype/success story for others to follow.