1. National News

The long-awaited second international report on literacy levels (ALL) released on May 11 is a huge wake-up call. After nine years, the same percentage (42%) of adults age 16-65 in Canada have literacy skills below what is needed to cope with everyday demands. The time for action is now and a substantial increase in investment must take place immediately and across all sectors.

At the Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) site you will find the full ALL report, as well as an MCL backgrounder and press release. A special ALL edition of the MCL Federal Literacy Facts is also planned.

Learning a Living: First Results of the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey is published by Statistics Canada and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

For a news release and additional information, go to the National Literacy Secretariat (NLS)

In October of 2005 the Canadian national report from ALL is scheduled for release, with provincial results and specific national findings. We will keep you updated on this in future e-bulletins.

2. Provincial and National Deadlines for Awards: Nominate Now!

(a) There’s still time to nominate your candidates for the 2005 Canada Post Literacy Awards . The deadline is May 27, 2005

The Awards recognize the efforts of learners, educators, volunteers and business leaders who have made a significant contribution to improving reading and writing skill levels in communities across the country.

Individual Achievement Awards celebrate the achievements of learners who overcame social or economic barriers by improving their literacy or ESL/FSL skills.

Educator Awards honour educators, tutors, and advocates who have demonstrated a commitment to literacy or ESL/FSL training.

Community Leadership Awards are presented for programs that have demonstrated long-term achievement, innovation, leadership and excellence in furthering the cause of literacy or ESL/FSL training for at least three years.

Business Leadership Awards honour a single business organization that has demonstrated its commitment to learning by establishing or supporting literacy or ESL/FSL programs in the workplace or community. Nominations must be received no later than midnight EDT - Friday, May 27, 2005.