CONCLUSION

All these reports point to the need for Adult Basic Education programs, the social and economic costs of inadequate education, and the links between illiteracy and poverty, unemployment, racism and crime. Yet the federal government is with- drawing support for Adult Basic Education, and giving it a low priority in the Canadian Jobs Strategy.

A united Federal/Provincial effort is needed to provide Adult Basic
Education to all who need it.

ENDNOTE

  1. Audrey Thomas, Adult Illiteracy in Canada, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Ottawa 1983

  2. Canadian Association for Adult Education, Educationally Disadvantaged Adults: A Profile; Toronto 1985

  3. Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education, B.C Post Secondary Enrolment Statistics, 1967 / 77, 1982 / 83

  4. Canada Employment and Immigration Commission, Annual Statistical Bulletin

  5. John Dennison and Paul Gallagher, Canada's Community Colleges - A Critical Analysis ; U.B.C. Press, Vancouver 1986, p. 158

  6. C.E.I.C. Annual Statistical Bulletin

  7. Federal Parliamentary Task Force (Allmand Task Force),image Work for Tomorrow: Employment Opportunities in the 80's, Ottawa 1982

  1. Canadian Association for Adult Education, From the Adults Point of View; Toronto 1982

  2. National Advisory Panel on Skill Development Leave, Learning for Life; Ottawa 1984. Page 14

  3. Audrey Thomas, Op. cit, page 109

Susan Witter is the Associate Dean, Continuing and Developmental Education, at Fraser Valley College in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Graphic Gail Duesterbech
Courtesy Saskatchewan Tradeswomen Inc.



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