As the table above shows, IALS Level 1 includes LSUDA Levels 1and 2. IALS Level 2 is equivalent to LSUDA 3; and IALS Levels 3, 4 and 5 divides LSUDA Level 4 into three separate levels.

Note also that the above table provides figures for adults aged 16 to 69, while the table on page 3 provides figures for adults 16 and over (i.e. including adults beyond the age of 69).

At the broadest level, literacy profiles in Canada have shown little change over the past five years. This belies earlier predictions of a continuing erosion of literacy skills in Canada. At the same time, given that a new group of students known to have strong literacy skills graduated in the intervening period, some improvements might have been expected.

In fact, the latest group of graduates are generally much better educated and more literate than older age groups. But the International Adult Literacy Survey detected no appreciable overall improvement. This suggests that other factors are affecting the literacy skills of working Canadians, and points to the need for further research.

Clearly, literacy continues to be an issue of importance to Canadians. The table on page 3 shows that

• about 22% of adult Canadians 16 years and over fall in the lowest level of literacy. They have serious difficulty dealing with printed materials and most likely identify themselves as people who have difficulties reading; and
  
  
• another 24-26% fall in the second lowest level. Such people can deal only with material that is simple and clearly laid out, and material in which the tasks involved are not too complex. They read, but not well.