Winter, 2004

Keeping Literacy on the National Agenda

These are interesting timesfor the literacy movementin Canada. Since PaulMartin became the leader of thefederal Liberal party and the newPrime Minister, there has beenmassive reorganization at theformer Ministry of HumanResources Development Canada(HRDC). Literacy now falls withinthe new Ministry of HumanResources and Skills Development(HRSD), under Minister Joe Volpe.

It's not yet clear how these changesmight impact federal literacypolicies and programs.

All this is unfolding against thebackdrop of a growing awarenessof the need for intergovernmentaland intersectoral action on literacy.Two throne speeches; wide-rangingnational consultations; a nationalSummit on Innovation andLearning; a parliamentary StandingCommittee Report; and the government's response to that report have all positioned literacy as a national priority. Over the past two years, leaders from many sectors have echoed that message. The hard work of the literacy community played a key role in fostering this increased understanding and commitment. ...next