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MINISTER DION HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH TO THE LITERACY
CHALLENGE
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, September 9, 1999 –
Highlighting the Canadian government's important role in literacy initiatives,
the Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, also stressed the importance of a partnership
approach to this problem.
Speaking today to a symposium at the École des
Hautes Études Commerciales organized by the Fondation québécoise pour
l'alphabétisation, the Minister first showed how Canada, and Quebec in
particular, is facing a sizeable challenge with respect to literacy. He noted
that the International Adult Literacy Survey, conducted in the fall of 1994,
revealed that more "than one in five adult Canadians have serious
difficulty dealing with printed materials, and that only 22% can deal with
material that is simple and clearly laid out." Mr. Dion also referred to a
1996 Statistics Canada study which revealed that Quebec has the second highest
illiteracy rate in the country, after Newfoundland, among 16 to 25 year-olds.
Minister Dion then talked of the role of the
National Literacy Secretariat (NLS). The NLS is strengthening partnerships with
the provinces, the private sector and voluntary organizations, to enhance
literacy levels of Canadians.
"Our government believes that partnerships
are the key to the literacy challenge. These partnerships are already in place;
our task now is to strengthen them. This is how illiteracy can be beaten,"
stated Minister Dion. Federal funding for literacy initiatives has increased
since 1997 to around $30 million a year.
The Minister concluded by stating that literacy
promotion is part of the Canadian government's commitment to keep our country
competitive and to gain a competitive edge in today's knowledge-based economy.
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For information:
André Lamarre
Press Secretary
(613) 943-1838
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