Province helping to improve literacy skills in the area

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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This year, more people in Nipissing will be able to get literacy and basic skills upgrading and training that will help open the door to a good job and a stronger future.

Ontario’s 2011 Budget -Turning The Corner committed to permanently increase base funding to every literacy organization in the province. This additional funding will provide ongoing support to ensure literacy organizations can continue to deliver programs and serve more learners.

Literacy and basic skills training is part of the McGuinty government's Open Ontario plan to help everyone succeed and build a knowledge-based economy for the future.

Canadore College $725,285
Le centre de formation du Nipissing $138,083
Near North District School Board $148,956
Nipissing-Parry Sound
Catholic District School Board $100,000
The North Bay Literacy Council Inc. $100,000
Total for Nipissing $1,212,324

“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.

“We’re helping more people get the training they need to further their educational goals and find a good job. This is part of our plan to ensure everyone succeeds and raise the number of Ontarians with a postsecondary education and training credential to 70 per cent,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“The North Bay Literacy Council is extremely pleased that the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities is investing in community based literacy agencies across the province with an increase in our basic core funding. We look forward to continuing to provide our community with excellent literacy and upgrading services. In today's fast paced economy, people need very strong literacy and basic skills in order to find and keep employment, upgrade their education and participate fully in our community,” said Jane Jackson, Executive Coordinator of the North Bay Literacy Council.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is investing an additional $44 million in the Literacy and Basic Skills program over the next three years.
• This year, more than 50,000 Ontarians will have access to literacy and basic skills upgrading and training.

• 5,220 adults in Nipissing have been helped with literacy and basic skills since 2003.
• Adults can access free help with literacy and basic skills at 340 sites across the province, including colleges, school boards and community-based organizations.
• From 2003-2004 to 2010-2011, the McGuinty government invested $565 million in adult literacy and basic skills programs.
• 3.4 million Ontario adults have literacy skills at less than a high school level

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