Literacy is more than the ability to read, write, and do math. Being literate in today's world means having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate as a full member of society. The renowned International Adult Literacy Study (IALS) defines literacy as "the ability to use printed information to function in daily activities, at home, at work, and in the community – to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential" (Literacy, Economy and Society: Results of the First International Adult Literacy Survey. Statistics Canada: 1995, p. 14). Literacy development is an evolving, lifelong process in which individuals (and in fact whole cultures) display different 'faces of literacy' that change over time and within various contexts.

Literacy is central to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities as a whole, and is a key component to the overall social and economic development of nations. In Canada, however, literacy levels are among the lowest in the industrialized world. It has been estimated that 48% of Canadian adults have literacy problems that make it difficult for them to participate in many daily activities.

Low literacy is inextricably linked to a number of social, economic, and political forces, including poverty and other forms of social injustice. Low literate adults tend to be among the poorest members of our society. They have only "two/three the income of other Canadians, are twice as likely to be unemployed, have poorer physical and mental health, and are much more likely to rely on some form of social assistance" (NAPO Facts: Oct. 1992). It has been estimated that the human, social, and economic costs associated with low literacy in Canada exceed $10 billion a year.¹

As the global economy becomes increasingly information and technology- based, sophisticated literacy skills are essential. The IALS summarizes the recent economic shift in this way: "The emerging economy changes both the expectations and demands on the population. In this new context, information is abundant. Those lacking the skills and opportunities to access, organize and use this information in novel ways are at a disadvantage" (Statistics Canada: 1995, p. 23).

In this so-called "new economy" there is increased polarization between low- wage, low-skilled, unstable jobs and jobs that are well-paid, highly-skilled, and more secure (Shalla: 1998, p. 9). Certain populations are most vulnerable to this polarized labour market: single parents (particularly women), persons with disabilities, older workers, Aboriginal people, youth, and undereducated workers.

A vast amount of research has proved that education is crucial to employment. The higher the education level, the better the chances at employment, and the higher the income level. Literacy programming is an important stepping stone to employment. It enhances both academic and personal growth, which in turn increases students' employability and reduces their dependency on welfare or other forms of social assistance.