Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House today to acknowledge International Literacy Day, which was on September 8.
The year 2003 marks the launch of the UN Literacy Decade, 2003-2012.
Still today, the final report of the International adult literacy survey shows that 22% of Canadians have difficulty reading. Globally, UNESCO estimates that 860 million adults are illiterate and more than 100 million children still do not have access to schooling.
Yet, good reading and writing skills are essential for people to participate fully in society.
In light of these statistics, it is critical to redouble efforts to fight illiteracy in Canada and around the world.