News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - A citizen engagement initiative on learning, called Learning: Everybody's Project, was launched today by Roundtable NB2026.

The launch was attended by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, on his first official visit to New Brunswick, and Premier David Alward.

"Both citizen engagement and learning are important to our government," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr. "I am thankful that this diverse group of New Brunswickers has chosen learning as its priority and that our government is providing support."

Carr will represent the provincial government on the engagement's leadership team.

"This is a unique initiative in that it is citizens engaging citizens on an issue crucial to New Brunswick's future success," said Andy Scott, the co-chair representing Roundtable NB2026. "The round table believes strongly that New Brunswick's past prosperity was built on our land and sea resources. We must build on this success by enhancing the knowledge and creativity of our people."

The initiative will involve New Brunswickers in a sharing of ideas on how the province's learning culture may be fostered and improved.

"Learning takes place at all stages of life," said Marie-Paule Thériault, the co-chair representing citizens. "And it happens everywhere - at home, at school, at our workplaces and in our communities. We need to talk about how we can continue to nurture a lifelong love of learning."

The process will unfold over the coming year, leading to a provincial forum, to be held in early 2012. At that time, an action plan will be adopted by citizens from all sectors of New Brunswick.  
The provincial government is supporting this process, which will be led by a team consisting of three co-chairs and four other members:

●    Andy Scott, co-chair, representing NB2026;
●    Marie-Paule Thériault, co-chair, representing citizens;
●    Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr, co-chair, representing the provincial government;
●    Natalie Gerum, representing students;
●    Dennis Cochrane, representing the post-secondary education sector; and
●    two further members to be announced. One will represent the public school system, while the other one will be a representative of New Brunswick's First Nations communities.

Biographical sketches of the leadership team
    
Andy Scott was the MP for Fredericton from 1993 to 2008. He served in the federal cabinet as solicitor general; minister of state for infrastructure; and minister of Indian affairs and northern development. A member of Roundtable NB2026, he previously worked in the New Brunswick civil service and is the Andrews senior fellow in Social Policy at the University of New Brunswick and executive director of the New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network.
    
Marie-Paule Thériault has spent most of her 40-year career in the field of education. She began her teaching career in Baie-Sainte-Anne and went on to administrative posts in the community college system. She was the director of the provincial Arts Development Branch before finishing her career as principal of the New Brunswick Community College in Miramichi, where she led record growth in enrolment.
    
Jody Carr is the minister of education and early childhood development. He has been a member of the legislative assembly since 1999. He previously served as minister of post-secondary education and training. When he first sought office in 1995, he was the youngest candidate in his party's history. He was the lead MLA in authoring his party's 2010 election platform.

Natalie Gerum is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University where she earned a first class honours Bachelor of Arts in geography and the environment. She has a keen interest in sustainability education and curriculum development. She is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards recognizing her academic achievements and contributions to her community.
    
Dennis Cochrane is the interim president of St. Thomas University. A school teacher by training, Cochrane has served as mayor of Moncton, an MP, an MLA and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. Prior to his appointment at St. Thomas, he was a deputy minister of education in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.