About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index May 11, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05-33 OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Today's release of the Learning a Living: First Results of the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey highlights the continued need for Canadian adults to upgrade and maintain their literacy and other essential skills, said the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of State (Human Resources Development). The report released by Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), shows that there was little change in the average literacy scores of working-age Canadians since the 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey. In both surveys, most Canadians rated "Level 3" or higher in prose and document literacy, with Level 1 being the lowest level, and Level 5 being the highest. Level 3 is considered to be sufficient for today's knowledge-based society and economy. Most Canadians rated slightly under Level 3 in numeracy and problem solving. Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Bermuda and the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon participated in this first round of the survey. Canada ranks approximately in the middle on all literacy measures. "This report demonstrates that Canadians can not afford to be complacent about literacy and other essential skills. To find meaningful, long-term solutions requires the collaboration of all learning partners in the private, public and non-profit sectors," said Minister Bradshaw. "The reality is improved literacy skills allow Canadians to realize their potential, improve their standard of living and actively take part in society." There were encouraging findings in the 2003 Survey. For example: younger Canadians tend to score high in document literacy and have larger proportions at skill levels 4 and 5; the average score of the lowest 5% of adults increased by 31 points in prose literacy and 51 points in document literacy since 1994; and around half of Canadian adults participated in organized (formal) education and training in 2003. The Government of Canada has played a critical role in building the capacity to respond to literacy needs of Canadians across the country. For example, the National Literacy Secretariat works to promote literacy as an essential component of a learning society and to make Canada's social, economic and political life more accessible to people with weak literacy skills. Activities are undertaken in partnership with the provinces, territories, non-governmental organizations and business and labour organizations. As a result of the support and collaboration provided by the program, nearly every province and territory now has a literacy strategy. In 2004-2005, the National Literacy Secretariat approved 233 new literacy projects. A list of new projects funded to date in 2005 and a backgrounder on the Government of Canada's role in literary action is attached. Budget 2005 includes an additional $30 million over three years to enhance the National Literacy Secretariat's capacity to further develop partnerships, foster awareness and involvement in literacy issues, and promote learning in the workplace. The Government of Canada will continue working in collaboration with provinces, territories, and stakeholders on the development of a literacy and essential skills development strategy. -30- For more information, see the attached backgrounders. For further information (media only): Ted Norris Office of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw (819) 953-8385
