Preface

The issue of adult literacy rose on the Canadian public agenda in the months preceding the 1988 federal general election with an announcement by the Prime Minister of a five year federal literacy initiative. For the first time, the platforms of the political parties included substantial plans to mobilize governmental programs to respond to the literacy issue.

As Canada enters its next pre-electoral period, we may expect a similar increase in public attention to adult literacy, as the parties jockey for attention and public support. Similar interest is visible at a policy level in various provinces.

In this climate, the Canadian Association for Adult Education and the Centre for Policy Studies in Education at the University of British Columbia are pleased to release Adult Literacy Work in Canada, a map of the state of literacy work in the country, which identifies key issues in literacy for the 1990's. This study is offered as a stimulus to informed discussion and debate on literacy questions in various Canadian jurisdictions. It is also intended as a contribution to maintain the level of public awareness developed during 1990, International Literacy Year.

Adult Literacy Work in Canada is part of a larger project to enhance public understanding of the stake of Canadians in a literate society - a collaborative effort of the Canadian Association for Adult Education and the Centre for Policy Studies in Education at the University of British Columbia, with financial assistance from the National Literacy Secretariat, in the federal Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship.

Other products of this collaboration include a forthcoming book, also authored by Richard Darville, offering critical analysis of literacy issues, as well as an in-depth analysis of data from the Statistics Canada Survey of Literacy Skills Used in: Daily Activities, to be published at a later date.

CAAE and CPSE express appreciation to Richard Darville for his valuable contribution to our collaborative work - and to the Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, Canada and his National Literacy Secretariat for their support. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author.

Ian Morrison
Executive Director
Canadian Association for
Adult Education

Kjell Rubenson
Director
Centre for Policy Studies
in Education - UBC