Premier Doer appoints minister for literacy.
Literacy
Partners of Manitoba (LPM) welcomes the appointment of the
province's first-ever Minister for Literacy. The next step will be
to tackle low literacy levels.
On September 21 , Premier Gary Doer named Diane McGifford as the Minister for Advanced Education and Literacy. Previously, Ms. McGifford served as the Minister for Advanced Education and Training.
At LPM's Open House on September 7, Ms. McGifford proclaimed September as “Literacy Month” in Manitoba.
In the photo, she is chatting with LPM's executive director Lorri Apps (left).
Ms. McGifford's appointment also follows the release of new figures showing 40% of Manitobans have low literacy skills. Among urban Aboriginal people aged 16 and over, 60% fall into that category. The 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) reveals that literacy rates have not improved in Manitoba over the past decade.
Officials for the organization that represents adult and family literacy programs in Manitoba are encouraged by the Premier’s move to appoint a Minister for Literacy.
“It’s a great step,” says Rob Sarginson of Literacy Partners of Manitoba. “Both the Premier and Minister McGifford have grasped the nettle. They believe that creating a strongly literate Manitoba is essential.” But Sarginson cautions that the new title must be supported by decisive action.
Lorri Apps, executive director for LPM, agrees. She says the government is working with Literacy Partners to develop a comprehensive plan to improve literacy rates in order to improve the lives of Manitobans, and to create a healthier economy.
“We all agree that the plan’s key platform begins with increased support to Manitobans who want to improve their literacy skills,” says Apps.
Apps says LPM will be making recommendations to the new Minister for Literacy in the near future. She says the recommendations will lay the groundwork for a new Manitoba Literacy Strategy.
For more information:
Rob Sarginson
Literacy Partners of Manitoba
Tel. (204) 482-6248 ( Selkirk, MB); 947-5757 (LPM office); 792-3859 (cell)