National Adult Literacy Database

“Ministers of education are pleased to add their voice to the global call for greater literacy for all peoples,” said Ramona Jennex, Chair of CMEC and Minister of Education for Nova Scotia. “We recognize that literacy is one of the pillars of an open and democratic, economically strong, and socially inclusive society.”

In British Columbia, the importance of literacy as a foundational skill is recognized year-round through the efforts of literacy programs for people of all ages in communities all across the province. On September 8, Decoda Literacy Solutions would like to acknowledge the tremendous value that these programs bring to British Columbia.

Every year, 250,000 Grade 9 students across the country participate in The Learning Partnership's Take Our Kids to Work™ day. This nation-wide event provides students with the opportunity to spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative or family friend, learning basic business and life skills. More than 75,000 employers participate annually.

The tireless work of Senator Joyce Fairbairn "changed the perception of the importance of literacy as a federal issue, bringing new resources and new status as a national concern. It’s hard to remember that at that time it was a novel idea that the federal government might have a larger role to play in supporting Canadians to meet their literacy skills needs." -- Margaret Eaton, President of ABC Life Literacy Canada

“The new Sectoral Initiatives Program will gather critical labour market information and make it available through the Working in Canada online portal, helping to ensure Canadians are more aware of the skills that are needed for the jobs that are in demand.” – Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Grass Roots Press has an international reputation for publishing high-quality resources for adult basic education and English as a Second Language communities. The company carries over 500 books, DVDs, and software packages and it publishes assessment tools, workbooks, photo stories, biographies, and literature -- publications that enhance adults' literacy skills.

A new online tool connecting skilled workers, employers, post-secondary institutions and government is tackling fears of a looming labour crisis that is expected to produce up to 500,000 vacant jobs across the country over the next decade.

We invite you to send us information about events you may be hosting in your community or projects you may be working on to mark the occasion on or around September 8, 2012.

In the survey, nearly four out of 10 (39 per cent) workers interviewed said knowing their career path is very important to their overall job satisfaction. Nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents feel this feedback is at least somewhat important.

When asked to describe the learning initiatives she has been involved with since moving back to Vancouver, Pat emphasizes that she first had to deal with her housing and health issues, otherwise she couldn’t have done any of the learning she has done. Following this, seeing her daughter receive a degree from SFU was a huge motivator for her.

Social finance is an approach to investment or managing money that aims to deliver social and/or environmental benefits. Social finance models are being widely explored as potential new sources of funding to address social/environmental issues. Since these investments must produce both a social and a financial return, proponents assume that social finance approaches are more likely to generate innovative practices and better performance by funding recipients.

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games offer an excellent opportunity for parents and children to cheer on their favourite athletes while practising literacy skills.

An overwhelming majority of Canadians (94 per cent) believe that small businesses play a critical role in the growth of the economy and almost nine-in-10 (88 per cent) view them as vital job creators, according to an RBC/Ipsos Reid survey.

"On behalf of all premiers, I congratulate the 2012 recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award," said Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia and Chair of the Council of the Federation. "The determination of literacy learners and the devotion of literacy advocates are an inspiration to all Canadians. The recipients of this award are all truly deserving of this recognition."

Consulting firm Towers Watson says it has found evidence that employers with a fully engaged workforce tend to have higher profit margins. The firm’s study covered some 32,000 employees, including 1,000 in Canada. It found that about two-thirds of the Canadian employees surveyed weren’t “fully engaged” in their work and felt frustrated by the level of support they receive.