Celebrations for International Literacy Day began on Prince Edward Island with the release of a new provincial strategy for literacy and adult education. Education and training are key to the province's ability to meet the challenges of global competition.
Economic and social costs of low literacy levels are significant for all provinces, hampering businesses' ability to train employees, restricting the province's ability to attract financial investment needed for economic growth and development, and adversely affecting personal income, health, safety, child development, and social, cultural and civic activity.
"The cost of low literacy for adults on PEI goes far beyond just economic losses," said Premier Callbeck. "There are human losses as well. Adults with low literacy levels or the inability to read at all, are seriously hampered from being fully participating citizens."
According to the report, "Tough Challenges: Great Rewards," it is essential that Prince Edward Island is aggressive in its approach to improve adult literacy education levels if the cycle of dependency and unemployment is to be broken. Education and training are the key to this province's ability to meet the challenges of global competition.
"The Government of Canada is a proud partner in this policy framework that will help shape the future of learning in Prince Edward Island," said Senator Fairbairn. "There is nothing more important in our lives than literacy and life long learning."
New technology is increasing the importance of reading and writing in offices and factories. It is estimated that the average worker spends some 97 minutes reading each day. Almost all jobs, even those requiring manual labour, require some reading.
"Learning in today's world begins with literacy. Economic self-sufficiency increasingly depends upon it," said Paul Connolly, Minister Responsible for the Office of Higher Education, Training and Adult Learning. "Because of this, the gap between the literate and the illiterate has never been wider. Not a day goes by without the need to read instructions, signs, news reports, and forms."
Celebrations for International Literacy Day will continue throughout the weekend, culminating in a breakfast Sunday being hosted by Senator Fairbairn.