Now that we are into the post-election period, the OLC has many plans. In the short-term, we have begun to send out letters to secure meetings with key players in the new government, such as Mary Anne Chambers, Minister for Training, Colleges and Universities, and Kathleen Wynne, the Minister's parliamentary secretary. We will write letters to MPPs to build awareness about literacy and secure meetings for further discussion. We will also canvass OLC members to find out from you what the most important literacy issues are.
We haved published a two-page inaugural information bulletin on new developments in the provincial legislature that we hope are of interest to the field. The bulletin is in a similar format to the Movement for Canadian Literacy's Federal Literacy Facts.
In the longer term, we hope to begin to develop a vision for literacy in Ontario in collaboration with all stakeholders that have an interest in literacy. Our collective knowledge could shape a vision that includes principles, values, recommendations and areas for action. Part of our plan is to work with new partners that also have an interest in literacy so that together we present the strongest voice possible.
Our Commitment
The OLC is committed to working on the provincial front. We are also committed to working on the federal front in close partnership and collaboration with the Movement for Literacy. In our work, we are very aptly assisted by Chris Dendys, an expert in policy and government relations.
Message from the Chair
SINCE THE ELECTION on October 2, 2003, there is a Liberal government in Ontario. The Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) is looking forward to working with the new government to inform all the MPPs about literacy issues in this province. We welcome Mary Anne Chambers, the new Minister for Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Ms. Chambers was a bank executive who has been honoured for her extensive volunteer activities. Her interests include workplace equity, minority rights, education and health care. Ms. Chambers' varied background will be a great asset in her new position.
The OLC has represented the English stream of the Literacy and Basic Skills initiative of MTCU for many years. Our close connection to the grass roots, through the Adult Learners Network of Ontario, Advisory Roundtable, research projects and our membership, makes OLC a credible voice for the literacy field.
The OLC will be proactive and approach the government to offer recommendations for advancing literacy in Ontario. The OLC board and staff are prepared to draft policy position papers and literacy fact sheets to help MPPs from all parties understand that literacy is an important issue for Ministries such as Health, Justice, Industry and Education and Training. Board and staff will be available to meet with politicians and legislative committees to discuss literacy issues.
The OLC will monitor the legislature to keep abreast of developments affecting the literacy field and we will report back to the membership.
The recent change in government has provided the OLC and the literacy field with opportunities to advance a literacy-friendly policy agenda by building partnerships with politicians.