National Adult Literacy Database

Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the University of Ottawa recently where she announced new support that will help more francophone students study in French in the field of their choice. Starting in 2013-14, Ontario's francophone students who travel a minimum of 80 kilometres to attend full-time studies in French will qualify for the Ontario Distance Grant, no matter where they live in the province.

"The dictionary definition says Literacy means to be able to read, write and comprehend. But to me it means much more. It means the confidence to express my thoughts, feelings and ideas and to socialize with people." - Story from Frontier College

Please take a few minutes to fill out this short feedback survey regarding ABC Life Literacy Canada's and Natrel Baboo's joint project: Family Literacy Resources for New Parents. The survey must be completed before 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 24, 2013, for your chance to win a Family Literacy Day prize pack.

Each year Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council acknowledges the achievements of its students through the Student of the Year award. Aggie Snook of Stephenville has been selected to receive the NLLLC Student of the Year Achievement Award for 2012. As well, the Susie Day Volunteer of the Year Award was created to recognize those who demonstrate outstanding service through participation in and leadership of Laubach programs. This year’s recipient is Maureen Kennedy.

Aboriginal peoples are gaining ground in Canada's population, but they are losing their languages. And their family structure is dramatically different than other Canadian families, with less than half of children living with both their parents. The rest are in single-parent homes, living with relatives or step-parents, or in foster homes. Indeed, half the foster children in Canada under the age of 14 are aboriginal, according to the National Household Survey.

If you are involved in the provision of Literacy and Essential Skills programs and services, exclusively or as part of other services you deliver, to adults, as a paid teacher/instructor, skills assessor, program/curriculum developer, administrator, coordinator or manager, this survey is for you.

"I feel honoured and grateful to have worked with the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc. since 2005. After much consideration, the time has come for me to step down and pass on the leadership of this worthy organization. I would like to thank the many colleagues I have met over the years for your support and challenges." -- Carol Vandale, Executive Director

Beginning in January 2014, the GED® test will move from a paper-based to a computer-based format, which simply means that you will complete the test using a computer and not on paper. The test content will remain the same – five tests: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and Math.

An online resource that collates information about authors from the province, called the New Brunswick Author Portal, is now available through the New Brunswick Public Library Service.

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) will host a webinar on its digital library Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Atlantic time.

The Yukon Literacy Coalition (YLC) is a community-based organization committed to increasing literacy and essential skills for adult learners in the Yukon.

Memorial’s Yaffle is a sophisticated online resource that allows users to find an expert, query research being done by the university in their geographic region, and even suggest research ideas. Compiled by the university’s Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, the new resource is a search engine of Memorial’s expertise and community development resources.

The province is taking steps to make sure international students studying at language schools in Nova Scotia receive a high-quality education. Nova Scotia is the first province to introduce legislation that will regulate language schools.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.