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March 16, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04-17
MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC- The Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Social Development, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, funding of $85,000 for the "Programme d'alphabétisation Metropolis bleu 2004." The Government of Canada is funding this project through the National Literacy Secretariat.
Under this project and in partnership with other literacy organizations, the Blue Metropolis Foundation in Montréal will undertake a number of public awareness activities that will allow literacy and community writing groups to share information on how memory is connected to learning and understanding in relation to multiple literacies. Targeting both the Anglophone and Francophone communities, the Programme d'alphabétisation Metropolis bleu 2004 will help broaden public understanding of literacy, develop links between the Foundation and literacy groups and organizations across the country, and provide the literacy community with the opportunity to explore the connections between literacy, community and the performing arts. Bilingual community writing and literacy events will be held in conjunction with the Blue Metropolis International Literacy Festival this April in Montréal.
"Literacy is the most essential skill in today's labour market," said Minister Frulla. "It touches almost every aspect of our lives. Our national challenge, as mentioned in the Speech from the Throne, is to ensure that Canadians can read and write well enough to increase their knowledge, achieve their goals, and contribute to Canada's growth in the information-based economy of the 21st century."
Literacy skills are linked to work skills, health and self-esteem. Higher literacy skills among Canadians enable them to participate more fully in our economy and our society. For instance, literacy skills help determine the kinds of jobs we find, enable parents to read to their children and help us understand technical jargon, allowing us to use tools and equipment safely.
The National Literacy Secretariat works in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, business, labour and the volunteer community. The goal of these partnerships is to increase public awareness of literacy, help people share information, improve access to literacy programs, develop learning materials and advance research on literacy.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Government of Canada funding:
$85,000 through the National Literacy Secretariat
Objective:
broaden public understanding of literacy
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For more information:
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
