Premier Frank McKenna, Senator Joyce Fairbairn and N.B. Minister of State for Literacy Georgie Day joined Charles Ramsey, Executive Director of NALD, at the podium to congratulate the organization for setting up shop in New Brunswick. Premier McKenna pointed to the impact of telecommunications on the literacy initiative across Canada: "NALD's innovative use of the enormous potential offered by the information highway as well as other telecommunications vehicles means the whole literacy community will share the same information. When that happens, more doors are opened for Canadians lacking the literacy and numeracy skills needed to meet current labour market needs."

He also drew attention to the economic development aspect of the move: "Once again, our leadership in two related areas - literacy and telecommunications - has attracted a national organization." Outlining the organization's goals and recent initiatives, Mr. Ramsey said the current reorganization and restructuring means the entire organization is now poised to play a much needed role: "We're now your one-stop shop for information. Whether someone wants to inquire about funding sources, the effectiveness of a program, demographic information or even consult an expert on-line about a specific problem, we can provide all of those services and more."

"The Living Wall" - from left, Georgie Day - NB Minister of State for Literacy, Senator Joyce Fairbairn, Premier Frank McKenna and Charles Ramsey, Executive Director of NALD, signing the Living Wall at NALD's official opening May 2, 1996.

NALD: Increasing Access

Since September of this year, our office hours at NALD have been extended so that you can reach us through our toll-free number between 8:00 a.m.(A.T.) and 5:00 p.m. (P.T.). Whether you're calling from St.John's, Newfoundland, or from Victoria, British Columbia, you will be able to contact us during office hours. This is one way we hope NALD will become the "one-stop" literacy information centre, being as accessible as possible.

Networks, the newsletter of the National Adult Literacy Database Inc., provides the Canadian literacy community with current information on educational activities in adult literacy and basic adult education.

NALD keeps literacy practitioners, learners, administrators, policy makers and researchers informed on trends, recent publications, available resources, upcoming events and ongoing activities both nationally and in the regions.

For more information or to give your comments, please contact:
The Editor - Networks
c/o National Adult Literacy Database Inc.
Scovil House
703 Brunswick Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Canada E3B 1H8
Toll-Free: 1-800-720-NALD (6253)
Tel. 506-457-6900 / Fax. 506-457-6910
E-Mail: info@nald.ca
WWW: http://www.nald.ca