Literacy performance has not improved in the past decade
According
to a recent survey, the percentage of people aged 16 to 65 (working
age) with low literacy has not changed between 1994 and 2003. The same
can be said here in Manitoba.
The 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) shows that 42% of working-aged Canadians - 9 million people - have low literacy skills.
Dr. Satya Brink, Director, National Learning Policy Research, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, explained the survey results to an audience of literacy and government representatives at the Fairmont Hotel on September 18.
In the photo above, Rob Sarginson of Literacy Partners of Manitoba chats with Dr. Brink after the presentation.
The report, involving 23,000 Canadians, aged 16 and over, from the 10 provinces and three territories, examined how well people read, decode documents, calculate, and problem solve. It follows up a 1994 study that showed 4 out of 10 Canadians have low literacy skills. The results of both surveys were compared with other provinces and participating countries.
Once again, in international comparisons, Canada falls into the middle of the pack.
“The time for action is now,” says Rob Sarginson of Literacy Partners of Manitoba. “Governments have been nickel and diming this problem for the last decade.”
In this province, little has changed in the past decade. More than 290,000 Manitobans, aged 16 to 65, have low literacy skills. That's 40% of the population – unchanged from 1994.
Sarginson adds, “ What we need is a comprehensive plan of action, and right now, to serve the low literate public of Manitoba and Canada.”
For the first time, the literacy survey included Aboriginals in Manitoba, though only urban populations. Among people aged 16 and over, it found that 60% of urban Aboriginals have low literacy skills.
Other Manitoba and national findings:
- Low numeracy is as big a challenge as low literacy in Manitoba.
- 40% of Canadian youth (16-25) have low literacy skills.
- Of the 9 million Canadians with low literacy, 2.7 million are immigrants.
- The growth sectors of the economy demand higher literacy.
- Literacy has been shown to be a contributor to GDP growth
For more information:
Rob Sarginson / Lorri Apps
Literacy Partners of Manitoba
Tel. 204-947-5757
Email: rsarginson@mb.literacy.ca