2015 has been a difficult year for many literacy organizations across the country. We have seen the shuttering of Literacy NL, Literacy Alberta, the Centre for Literacy, COPIAN (formerly NALD – the National Adult Literacy Database) to name a few.
The loss of national funding and support affected all provincial and territorial literacy coalitions, as well as national organizations. Does this mean that literacy and essential skills (LES) levels have increased across the country to the point where these organizations have been made redundant? Not quite.
We know that adults who struggle with basic literacy skills continue to need support to develop their LES. Improved basic skills translates into improved employment, stronger families, less poverty, fewer incarcerations and less reliance on health care. If the newly formed government keeps its campaign promises, here are some things that we in the LES world can look forward to: (with thanks to Brigid Hayes https://brigidhayes.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/oh-what-a-night/)
- $750 million annual increase in funding for training programs delivered in partnership with the provinces and territories. This will include:
- A $500 million annual increase in funding to the Labour Market Development Agreements with provinces and territories.
- A $200 million annual increase in funding to be delivered by the provinces and territories and focused on training for workers who are not currently eligible for federal training investment.
- Renewal and expansion of funding by $50 million for the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS).
- An investment of $25 million a year in training facilities, partnering with labour unions
- Re-engagement in areas of federal jurisdiction, such as education and literacy programs for indigenous communities
- Collaboration with non-governmental organizations, including adult education providers and researchers, to explore more effective ways to provide funding for the important work we do
- Improved funding delivery mechanisms to support the not-for-profit sector to achieve accountability, while at the same time providing adequate, predictable, and stable funding
- Partnership with provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments to integrate literacy and essential skills development into sectoral policies, where relevant
Now that the election is over, we all need to be vigilant to ensure that campaign promises translate into actions that adequately support LES for all Canadians.
- Kathryn Barry Paddock
