Honourable Senators,

I rise today in recognition of World Teachers Day, which was celebrated on October 5 under the theme "Teachers Create Dialogue Every Day.'' It is an occasion when we turn our attention to the important role that teachers play and to the many contributions that they make in helping to shape individual lives in society as a whole.

In this room today, there are honourable senators who have worked hard as teachers and educators. I commend them for their efforts and achievements in such an important profession. However, I should also like to note that we all have a connection to the teaching profession. Without a doubt, everyone here today has been greatly influenced by the teachers in their lives. Each one of us, if asked, would have no difficulty identifying at least one teacher who had an especially significant impact on his or her life and could instantly recall special memories of that teacher.

Teachers train us academically to become proficient in reading, writing, math and other fundamental skills, but their influence goes far beyond. They teach us to listen, engage in discussion, form arguments and become respectful listeners. They help guide us on the path to critical thinking. They instill morals and basic principles on how to live our lives and help shape us into strong, responsible members of society. Quite simply, teachers help us learn about ourselves and to become the best that we can be.

I should like to take this time, honourable senators, to draw attention to a recent achievement by teachers and students in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I was thrilled when I read last week about the huge improvements made in reading and writing by our Grade 3s. I have spoken here before on the critical importance of literacy, and I am so very encouraged by these numbers that I must share them and highlight the fabulous work being done in this particular area.

Results from this year's Criterion Reference Tests show that 79 per cent of students in my province are reading at the required level, up from 63 per cent last year. Their writing skills are particularly impressive, with approximately 90 per cent writing at the required level and more than one-third of students entering elementary school with exemplary writing scales. That is fabulous. These results illustrate just one way that the efforts and dedication of our teachers make a powerful and lasting contribution to our students and society.

I applaud all teachers for their hard work and commitment to students and thank them for their efforts in inspiring and guiding the growth of our future leaders.