Government of Canada funding to help improve literacy levels in St. John's

January 7, 2003

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR-The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, today announced funding of $20,000, through the National Literacy Secretariat for a project by the MacMorran Community Centre.

The MacMorran Community Centre, serving families in several low-income housing areas in St. John's, helps to improve access, outreach, and coordination activities to increase literacy levels of adults and families in the area. Pilot sessions will be held for community members to help develop basic literacy skills and will include themes such as gardening, health and nutrition, and parental involvement in children's education. The participants will also be involved in developing, transcribing and editing an oral histories' publication that will be used by the Centre for its literacy models.

"Strong literacy skills are essential to participate fully in today's economy and society," said Minister Byrne. "This project will promote interest and awareness of literacy programs available in the area, and residents will be provided with a number of literacy skill development opportunities."

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, businesses, 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.

This project supports the Government of Canada's Innovation Strategy and more specifically Knowledge Matters, a policy paper that addresses the national challenge of ensuring that Canadians possess the skills and knowledge required to fully participate in the knowledge-based economy.

Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's improved administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For more information:

Media Relations Office
Human Resources Development Canada
(819) 994-5559