Literacy and Poverty

• Low literacy, poverty and excxlusion are all part of the same problem
• Children from poor and disadvantaged families are at risk of illiteracy
• People with literacy problems have only 2/3 of the income of other adults
• Many barriers keep low-income adults out of literacy and job programs
• Information most needed by lower income people is often not accessible to them
• Literacy is, itself, a defining characteristic of social class
  
  
  

Literacy and the Workforce

• People with low literacy skills have much higher rates of unemployment
• The labour market demands higher levels of skills than in the past
• Literacy skills are essential in all job-related training
• Everyone wins in a society that ensures that all Canadians can prepare for, get and keep decent paying, quality jobs
  
  
  

Literacy and Citizenship

• Literacy is a key to a healthy democracy
• Literacy is a key in creating engaged citizens
• Literacy is a key in participating in the democratic process
• Literacy is a key to a healthier and less violent society
• Literacy is a key to including immigrants and newcomers in Canadian life
• Literacy is a key to true citizen engagement