Province investing funds to help improve area literacy skills

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is helping adult learners in Nipissing upgrade their literacy skills.

Through support from Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills Program, five organizations in Nipissing are preparing learners for jobs through a number of initiatives, such as academic upgrading, computer training and high school credit preparation.

These organizations will help learners this year get closer to their education, training or employment goals.

Ontario funds about 300 sites across the province, including at colleges, school boards and community-based organizations.

The McGuinty government’s Open Ontario Plan is helping to build the most highly skilled and educated workforce in the world, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.

Canadore College
$258,956 Funding Increase
$1,128,024

Le centre de formation du Nipissing
$53,788 Funding Increase
$235,076

Near North District School Board
$56,448 Funding Increase
$250,436

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
$38,550 Funding Increase
$147,100

The North Bay Literacy Council Inc.
$43,320 Funding Increase
$174,640

Total for Nipissing
$451,062 Total Funding Increase
$1,935,276

“By investing in literacy skills we are providing more opportunities for people to be their best, improving their quality of life and strengthening our local economy here in Nipissing.” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

“Giving people a solid foundation in literacy helps them learn new skills, strengthening their ability to contribute to the economy and their families,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

"Canadore College is very appreciative of the Ontario Government's ongoing support of helping adult learners upgrade their literacy skills. Investing in literacy is key to providing people with the capacity to create and access opportunities, to realize their potential, and to strengthen their community," said Canadore College President George Burton.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is investing $122.9 million in the program this year – up from $80 million two years ago.

• From 2003-2004 to 2010-2011, the McGuinty government has invested $650 million in adult literacy and basic skills programs.

• The government’s Open Ontario Plan will raise the number of Ontarians with a postsecondary education credential to 70 percent.

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