PROVINCE REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO LITERACY AT BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Justice Minister Frank Quennell on behalf of Premier Lorne Calvert today attended the Business Leaders’ Literacy Breakfast and reiterated the Provincial Government’s commitment to literacy.  The breakfast is a kick-off event to the Literacy for Life Conference.

“Literacy is much more than learning to read and write,” Quennell said.  “Literacy provides the essential communication tools, employment skills and basic competencies for individuals to be successful.  Our government’s investments in literacy underline our commitment to ensure all Saskatchewan people have the opportunity to share in our strong and growing economy and build a future here.”

Saskatoon Public Schools’ Second Annual Literacy for Life Conference events will be taking place between April 24 and May 3.  Events include:  April 24, Business Leaders’ Literacy Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn and; April 30, Evening with Susan Aglukark at Teacher’s Credit Union Place.  The following activities will be held at the University of Saskatchewan: May 1–2, a conference for over 4,000 elementary students from Grades 3–8 and; May 3, a conference for over 600 high school students who will have the opportunity to hear from nationally and internationally recognized authors.

“We are pleased to see the entire community embrace the concept and vision of a literacy conference for children, youth and adults,” conference co-chairs Judy Ostrander and John Barton said.  “The involvement of many community parents indicates a willingness to support literacy on a number of levels beyond the traditional educational institutions.”

“Events such as the Literacy for Life Conference raise awareness of the importance of literacy and life-long learning for every citizen in this province,” Saskatchewan Literacy Commissioner Dr. Margaret Lipp said.

Quennell commended Saskatoon Public Schools and the Literacy for Life Conference for establishing close partnerships with business, industry and the learning sector.

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For more information, contact:

John Barton
Literacy for LIfe Conference Co-Chair
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-683-7201
Email: bartonj@spsd.sk.ca

Caroline MacMurchy
Saskatchewan Literacy Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2663
Email: caroline.macmurchy@slc.sk.ca