GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW LITERACY COMMISSION AND SASKSMART INITIATIVE

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the establishment of a new Saskatchewan Literacy Commission and the SaskSmart – Literacy for Life initiative.

SaskSmart is a new initiative designed to provide all Saskatchewan people with basic literacy and essential skills they require in English, Mathematics and Science and Technology. SaskSmart will build on the successes of existing literacy programs and services in the public, private and volunteer sectors. This initiative will provide a strong, co-ordinated approach to basic literacy and essential skills for learners throughout life.

As part of this announcement, Premier Calvert presented Lynda Richards with the first Saskatchewan Council of the Federation Premier's Literacy Award for her courage, perseverance and commitment to increasing her literacy skills.

"Strong literacy skills help to build strong families and communities. The power of Ms. Richards' literacy journey to improve her literacy and quality of life is an inspiration to us all. The impact of her story offers support and encouragement for all learners. Literacy turned her life around. Not only has she realized incredible personal achievements, she has also given much back to the literacy community. The SaskSmart – Literacy for Life initiative will support others to do what she has done," Calvert said.

The Saskatchewan Literacy Commission has been established to raise public awareness of the importance of literacy and provide a strong, co-ordinated approach to basic literacy and essential skills for learners throughout life. The Commission will direct the SaskSmart-Literacy for Life initiative.

"Literacy is crucial to the success of each citizen and the province. SaskSmart will concentrate on the life-long development of essential skills through early learning and child care initiatives, in formal K – 12 education, in apprenticeship programs, in post-secondary education and skills training, adult basic education, learning in the workplace, family literacy and senior years literacy," Calvert said.

"Saskatchewan's economy is growing at a remarkable rate. In order to ensure that Saskatchewan people can take full advantage of this growth we need to make sure they have the appropriate skills to participate fully in the social and economic life of the province. Basic and advanced literacy skills are essential to ensuring our economy and our communities continue to grow," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said.

Dr. Margaret Lipp, a Saskatchewan educator, has been appointed as Literacy Commissioner and Chair of the Commission's Advisory Board. The Commissioner will bring together a broad range of individuals involved in literacy programming. Members of the Commission's Advisory Board will liaise with the following: the Saskatchewan Literacy Network, educational institutions, First Nations and Métis peoples, libraries, KidsFirst, business and industry, adult basic education, community-based and volunteer organizations and the research community.

"During her time at the Department of Learning, Dr. Lipp has been instrumental in the development of the provincial Core Curriculum and e-learning activities. With her wealth of experience, Dr. Lipp is uniquely poised to take on this exciting new challenge," Calvert said.

The Council of the Federation is made up of premiers of all Canadian provinces and territories. The Council of the Federation established the Premiers' Literacy Award to be presented annually. The 2005 award is dedicated to an adult learner.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609 Cell: (306) 535-2261