Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation and Canada Post on their very creative fundraising initiative. On September 9, 1996 Canada Post issued the semi-postal stamp in support of literacy.
The new stamp will cost 50 cents. For each stamp sold, five cents will go to funding literacy efforts. ABC Canada will look after the distribution of collected funds among the various literacy groups.
We must remember that reading is considered a challenge for approximately 42 per cent of all Canadians. In fact 16 per cent have difficulties with daily tasks such as reading menus and signs. We need to work together to try and expand the reading world of these Canadians. This initiative is certainly a step in the right direction.
I urge you to support this initiative and encourage others to do the same.
This initiative will have a very positive impact on all Canadians. Once again I salute ABC Canada and Canada Post.