It gives them greater access to employment, the ability to earn an adequate income, the means to find out about, and understand, their safety and health needs. It also affords them the security of having some measure of control over their fate. Literacy is the gateway to powerful citizenship, social involvement, cultural expression and economic well-being.

Because of its dynamism and relevance to these many aspects of social and economic life, literacy crosses many boundaries. It is of concern to people working in disciplines as diverse as education, social policy, economics, health and workplace safety. The National Literacy Secretariat with the provinces and territories have committed to work together to produce a document that will provide a current profile of literacy activities in Canada. The NLS publication, entitled Working in Concert - Federal, Provincial and Territorial Actions in Support of Literacy in Canada, is the result. It provides a snapshot of literacy programs and activities in Canada for 1995-96.

The document, it is felt, will aid many in understanding the scope and variety of literacy programs and services available throughout Canada. It further provides insight into the commitment of governments, service providers and volunteers in helping others to acquire and advance their literacy skills. [For ordering information, please see The Literacy Bookshelf on Page 7.]