Mr. Speaker, Canada has a serious literacy problem: 22% of Canadian adults do not read well and another 26% do not have the literacy skills necessary to contribute to the economic and social development of their communities. Less than 10% of all Canadians who could benefit from literacy programs are being helped.
Addressing literacy barriers is key to dealing with the most pressing issues of our time. Jobs in the economy, innovation, child poverty, health, crime prevention, immigration settlement, community development, social cohesion and inclusion; literacy has implications for all of these.
The development of a larger and more skilled workforce is crucial to Canada's future economic success, a success that can only be met through education and training.
Canada is one of the only industrialized countries without a national strategy for adult literacy. A national literacy strategy can only be created if all levels of government and the private sector co-operate for this common goal.
Literacy investments are crucial in creating a culture that values lifelong learning. Let us all work together to promote literacy and the continuing education of all Canadians.