OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 29, 2007 — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding of $186,000 for a project that will provide workplace-based training to members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
"Canada's New Government is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled and most flexible work force in the world, and we support projects like this one that promotes adult learning," said Minister Blackburn. "This project will enhance workplace literacy, which our government believes is important because it contributes to the quality of life of individuals, and is a critical factor to Canada's social and economic well-being."
Under this project, titled Learning at Work, CUPE will provide workplace-based literacy and essential skills learning opportunities for members who deliver important public services and who face challenges in obtaining access to upgrading programs. The project will benefit CUPE members who serve Francophones living outside Quebec, Aboriginal people and workers in small and rural communities.
As Canada's largest union representing over 500,000 employees, CUPE plays an important role in helping Canadians enhance their literacy levels. Past experience has shown that members benefit greatly from CUPE's literacy projects, as do their clientele and their greater communities.
Workplace literacy is important because it contributes to the quality of life of individuals and is a critical factor to Canada's social and economic well-being. Workplace literacy refers to the essential skills that people require at work, such as reading, writing and math. It also includes critical thinking and problem-solving.
A higher literacy level has a positive impact on self-esteem, health and safety, and is an important factor in helping Canadians find and maintain employment. The opportunity to use and upgrade literacy skills on the job can actually help people maintain and enhance these skills long after they have completed their formal education.
Canada's New Government welcomes the opportunity to work with partner organizations across the country to help Canadians improve their literacy skills and build better lives. Literacy programs and activities across Canada are supported by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as by a variety of businesses and voluntary organizations.
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For more information (media only):
Lesley Harmer
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Monte Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
