The Workplace/Workforce Literacy Symposium Report

Other Workplace/Workforce Development Groups

• More important than asking if there is space for people to work together would be to ask how this can happen. There is no question that a partnership is needed. There is also a need to work at the regional level. How we work with existing organizations and networks is important. The OLC is well positioned to work on partnerships at the provincial level. The symposium must result in concrete outcomes.
• Ontario’s diversity influences how we can proceed; we shouldn’t generalize about the state of literacy programs in the province. The issue has to be connected to the political agenda. One way of achieving this would be to get business to see its vested interest in literacy.
• Funding is critical to bringing the right people to the table. All parties need to be present. We must find innovative ways to bring people to the table; this cannot be done as an “add-on” for people who already have busy jobs. Approaches to business must be based on an understanding of its needs and wants.
• A model with longevity is needed. It must be sustainable following the implementation of a labour market agreement and in the event of a change in government.