Whither literacy?

[Machjo]

It's amazing that none of the leaders are making literacy a major campaign issue. According to Statistics Canada 2011, around 50% (and 60% on reserves) of Canadians over 16 are functionally literate in neither official language. How does this class of Canadians find well-paid employment? It would seem that unless you fix the fundamentals, things like a fitness tax credit are all fluff.

 

[Machjo]

So such high rates of functonal literacy should not be an election topic?

So such high rates of functional literacy should not become an election topic?

 

[Gilgamesh]

If anyone is illiterate in modern day Canada, it is not the fault of the government.

 

[tay]

Traditionally, literacy has referred to the ability to read, understand, and use information.


But the term has come to take on broader meaning, standing for a range of knowledge, skills and abilities relating to reading, mathematics, science and more. This reflects widespread and deep changes that have taken place in technology and in the organization of work over the past quarter century. The ability to use and apply key mathematics and science concepts is now necessary across a wide range of occupations.






Literacy counts