Government of Canada Supports Project to Promote Adult Literacy in British Columbia

Adults with learning disabilities will benefit from a project funded by the Government of Canada designed to help improve their literacy skills. Ms. Dona Cadman, Member of Parliament for Surrey North, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government works with partners across Canada to improve literacy and essential skills that will help Canadians get jobs and build better futures," said Ms. Cadman. "This project will build the ability of adult literacy practitioners to better understand and help adults with learning disabilities."

Under the project, Learning Disabilities and Adult Basic Education: A Whole Life Approach to Professional Development, Literacy BC will receive $389,263 to create professional development strategies for literacy practitioners to enable them to better understand and help adults with learning disabilities. In addition, 50 literacy practitioners from across the province will participate in provincial and regional workshops to prepare themselves to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.

Improving Canadians' literacy and essential skills is a key part of the Government's commitment to making the Canadian workforce the best educated, most skilled and most flexible in the world. The Government underscored this commitment in Canada's Economic Action Plan. To help Canadian workers and families during the global economic downturn and to prepare for the country's long-term growth, the Government is investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy.

Literacy and essential skills are the foundation for lifelong learning and play a vital role in the development of healthy families, vibrant communities and a prosperous economy. Literacy and essential skills programs and activities across Canada are supported by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and by a variety of businesses and voluntary organizations.

Website: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml