“We need society to understand the importance of literacy – as a #1 concern. Everyone is better for it.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“We have to stop using the ridiculous statistics that 26% of Canadians can’t read a simple document. It’s counterproductive IF it’s true.” – Participant in the Workforce Literacy Practitioner Survey

The Big Picture

• A majority of people reported an increase in their own awareness and understanding of literacy over the last three years – and particularly that they have a broader view of what it entails.

• Most people said they do not remember hearing of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) and of those who have, most underestimated the percentage of Canadians who are at IALS level 1 and 2.

• There is significant interest in having local, community-specific data around literacy.

Up Close

The following summarizes what we learned from the literacy practitioners’ and learners’ visioning conference, our two telephone surveys, and our community consultations.

Changing Awareness…

BC Leaders’ Survey

“Has your view of literacy changed in any way over the last three years?”

A significant majority of respondents reported a change in their view.