2006
State of Literacy - Notice of Inquiry : Future of National Literacy Secretariat
Senator Joyce Faribairn did a notice of motions and questions in the Senate on June 28, 2006 regarding Literacy.
Hon. Joyce Fairbairn: Honourable senators, I give notice of an inquiry on the state of literacy in Canada, which will give every person in this chamber an opportunity to speak on an issue that we have, in my view, forgotten.
Human Resources and Social Development - Future of National Literacy Secretariat
Hon. Joyce Fairbairn: Honourable senators, I would like to ask a question of the Leader of the Government in the Senate. As we are moving toward our adjournment, I would like to get advice from the government leader on the message that we can communicate during summer visits to those in the literacy network. What message should we communicate across this country to those who need to know the views of our new government? What should we tell the more than 8 million citizens who are grappling with the challenges of getting through each day because of a profound difficulty in reading, writing and numeracy? I ask this question also because the tremendous strength of the federal presence in this field was introduced in what I believe to be the finest legacy left to us by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. The National Literacy Secretariat was created in 1988 with the help of his Secretary of State David Crombie. We worked together with this issue from the start. I was nicknamed the "token Grit."
There are anxieties across this country about the survival of the National Literacy Secretariat and whether funding for programs on the ground will be met for this year. There is a concern that the programs will continue through partnerships with all levels of government and with our outstanding national organizations who keep the issue alive on the ground. Neither the budget nor the Throne Speech mentioned this issue.
I would like to have assurances from the Leader of the Government that the National Literacy Secretariat does indeed live on. I would like assurances that funding will continue so that all Canadians at risk in every community in this country will have a fair chance to learn, build a decent life and get a decent job for themselves and their families.
Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government): I thank the honourable senator for that question and for the work she has done in this area over many years. If, in fact, she was the "token Grit," I can think of no better token than a Grit like the honourable senator.
I am glad to receive the honourable senator's kind words about Mr. Mulroney and his legacy. His legacy in this and many other areas is finally being acknowledged and recognized by parliamentarians and the Canadian public at large.
I was expecting some time ago that I would get a question like this from the honourable senator. Last night I made inquiries about the agency. I have not received a definitive response but I can say that just because the government has not addressed the program it means the program is in danger. The government is busy with reorganizing a downsized ministry. When the new government took over, there were so many programs in so many areas that needed to fit into the downsized ministry. There were many ministers and it involved a great deal of reorganization.
Honourable senators, suffice it to say, I have asked for a response to the honourable senator's question. Even though the Senate may not be sitting, when I receive the response, I will take it upon myself to make sure it is delivered directly to the honourable senator's office.
Senator Fairbairn: Honourable senators, I understand that Minister Diane Finley, who is responsible for this file, has a huge responsibility in the re-joined Department of Human Resources and Social Development. My biggest concern is that in such situations things are often pulled together with the best of intentions but sometimes miss the mark.
I would appreciate hearing about the National Literacy Secretariat. This unique agency in the Canadian government can help small organizations across the nation to help people learn. The issue is not only about the labour movement; you cannot get into a workplace or be upgraded unless you are literate.
This agenda is an on-the-ground one, not a made-in-Ottawa one. Honourable senators met the people from the national organizations on Literacy Action Day. This issue greatly needs our help, and it has received that help since 1988. It would be a shame, when they are working out a national action program, if there should be any cutback or change in the organization of the NLS that would bring these innovative ideas to a halt to the detriment of millions of people.
Senator LeBreton: Honourable senators, Senator Cochrane is active on this front as well, and she is very persuasive when she makes her case in both our national caucus and the Senate caucus.
The government has emphasized skills and trades in our overall employment strategy. I will speak personally to Minister Finley. As Senator Fairbairn pointed out, the minister has been extremely busy with everything that has been put into her department, including dealing with the child care issue and the older workers issue. She has many issues on her plate, as well as this important one. I will get information for Senator Fairbairn on the status of the National Literacy Secretariat.
