GOVERNMENT PROCLAIMS LITERACY DAY IN SASKATCHEWAN

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz has proclaimed September 8 as Literacy Day in Saskatchewan. Krawetz made the announcement today during International Literacy Day celebrations at the SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan's proclamation recognizes the global tradition of observing International Literacy Day on September 8. Since 1965, the annual declaration has drawn attention to the need for a world-wide strategy to address the social and economic issues resulting from low literacy levels.

"Saskatchewan's future depends on all citizens having high literacy skills that will enable them to take their place in a knowledge-based economy," Krawetz said. "The Saskatchewan government is committed to promoting and developing a highly skilled and literate workforce and is providing nearly $2.2 million this fiscal year to support a wide range of literacy programs, services and initiatives."

Although Saskatchewan's literacy levels rank among the top third of Canadian provinces, 33 per cent of working adults in Saskatchewan have literacy levels that may limit their ability to function effectively in today's workforce. For more information on the Government of Saskatchewan's initiatives to improve literacy, visit http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/literacy/.

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For more information, contact:

Ariane Whiting
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6026
Email: ariane.whiting@gov.sk.ca