SASKATCHEWAN LITERACY SKILLS AMONG THE BEST IN CANADA

Results of the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (IALSS), released today by Statistics Canada, shows that Saskatchewan literacy skills are among the highest in Canada.

Saskatchewan ranked in the top third along with Yukon, BC and Alberta in the four assessment areas: prose literacy, document literacy, numeracy and problem solving. The province also ranked as well as the best performing countries that participated in the survey.

"Literacy helps build strong communities, a skilled workforce and a vibrant economy," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "We need to continue to work to ensure that all Saskatchewan people have appropriate knowledge and skills to take full advantage of our economic growth and participate fully in the social and cultural life of our province."

Premier Lorne Calvert and Minister Thomson announced the Saskatchewan Literacy Commission on Sept. 7th, 2005 to raise the profile of literacy, increase the opportunities for literacy development and build a culture that supports life long learning. The commission will build on the success of existing literacy programs and services in the public, private and volunteer sectors and provide a strong, co-ordinated approach to basic literacy and essential skills for all learners.

The IALSS is the Canadian component of the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, which was a joint project of the government of Canada and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The survey measured the literacy skill sets of 23,000 Canadians aged 16 and over in terms of how well adults use information to function in society and the economy.

"IALSS provides reliable baseline data on literacy levels that will enable the Saskatchewan Literacy Commission to make sound decisions on policy, funding and programming," Saskatchewan Literacy Commissioner Dr. Margaret Lipp said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Linda Paidel Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-7791