The Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) is a national non-profit organization representing literacy coalitions, organizations and individuals from every province and territory. Since 1978 MCL has worked to:

• inform the federal government and the general public about issues related to adult literacy in Canada;
• provide a national forum for provincial and territorial literacy organizations to work together to ensure that every Canadian has access to quality literacy education;
• strengthen the adult student/learner voice in Canada;
• support the development of a strong movement of people and organizations involved with adult literacy education.

This document is a summary of MCL's input for the Pre-Budget Consultations leading up to the 2002 budget period.

Introduction

Canada's economic and social prosperity depends on the strengths and skills of our citizens. To prosper in the new economy, we must develop policies that nurture these skills and we must create a culture that values life-long learning. A sound literacy foundation is key to achieving both of these goals.

Addressing adult literacy is an urgent issue for national productivity as Canada faces a shortage of skilled workers now and in the coming years. Now more than ever, good literacy skills are a prerequisite for employment and for the specific training decent jobs require.

In addition, addressing literacy barriers is key to dealing with the most pressing issues of our time. Research shows that improved literacy pays off not only in labour market productivity, but also in lower healthcare costs, better outcomes for children, safer and more cohesive communities, more successful rehabilitation of offenders, and better integration of newcomers.

Yet, in Canada we face serious literacy challenges. 22% of Canadian adults do not read well, and another 26% do not have the literacy skills necessary to contribute to the economic and social development of their communities and our country.(1)

1. Statistics Canada, International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), 1997.