In 1991, Ontario began work on developing an accountability framework. After this work was completed, the province then began to develop quality standards and evaluation guidelines. Representatives from different Ontario literacy organizations were part of the development team. Eighteen standards were identified. In 1994, 13 pilot projects were funded to develop program features and evidence for each standard. Five principles for the development of literacy programming are reflected throughout the core quality standards:

• Belief in learners
• Respect for racial and cultural diversity
• Lifelong learning and adult education
• Adequate and appropriate service provision
• Integrated services.

The GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment used Ontario’s framework as a basis to develop its draft quality standards in 1999.

In 1995, Manitoba Education and Training produced Exemplary Practice in Manitoba: Models of Quality in Literacy Programming to celebrate excellence in literacy programs. It describes exemplary programs in rural, urban, northern and workplace settings each of which “ . . . contribute to the development of the principles of Good Practice in Manitoba” (Introduction). It identifies the elements of Good Practice that each program exemplifies.

In 1996, the Saskatchewan Literacy Network began work on developing provincial tutor training materials. As a result of the research for this project, the steering committee decided that a preliminary step should be to articulate what good literacy practice was. In 2000, the Saskatchewan Literacy Network published Best Program Practices, which “. . . provides an opportunity for programs to reflect on their current initiatives, identify strengths and plan further improvements” (p.iii). Guiding principles for this project include: