Mr. Speaker, literacy is much more than reading, writing and numeracy. It is the ability to understand and use printed information in all kinds of daily activities. Literacy touches almost every aspect of our lives. It is key to personal development and economic opportunity and a major factor in Canadians' ability to participate as full and active citizens.
Our literacy levels are linked to our quality of life, employment, health and self-esteem. In the knowledge based economy it is critical that Canadians continue to upgrade their skills to maintain their employability and adjust to the new demands of the workplace. Strong literacy levels are necessary to engage in lifelong learning and become full participants in the economy and society.
Forty per cent of adult Canadians still have low or limited literacy skills. HRDC through the National Literacy Secretariat works to improve this situation with the provinces, the territories, NGOs, business and labour.
Let us support all those who work to improve literacy in the home, the workplace and the community.