Province invests $389,974 in local literacy needs

MPP Monique Smith announced Thursday that Ontario is expanding literacy and basic skills programs in Nipissing the full details are contained in the news release below.

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The province is investing $389,974 in five organizations providing literacy training in Nipissing. These organizations are receiving additional funding to expand literacy and essential skills training so more Ontarians can train for more high-skill jobs.

The government is investing an additional $25 million in colleges, school boards and community literacy organizations in the Employment Ontario network across the province to help laid-off workers and other adult learners train for highly skilled jobs.

In addition, Ontario is investing $5 million across the province to expand online literacy training. The e-channel project helps English-speaking, French-speaking and Aboriginal learners living in remote communities.

Canadore College
$197,868
$869,068

Le centre d’alphabétisation Alec du Nipissing
$53,788
$181,288

Near North District School Board
$56,448
$193,988

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
$38,550
$108,550

The North Bay Literacy Council Inc.
$43,320
$131,320

Total for Nipissing
$389,974
$1,484,214

“Ontario’s investment in literacy skills is providing more opportunities for people to be their best,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “Literacy and basic skills are essential for people to find employment, upgrade their education or training and gain independence.”

“The North Bay Literacy Council is absolutely overjoyed to hear the news of this funding increase. The increase will allow us to continue to provide the literacy services so needed in our community without the pressure of fundraising activities to meet our budget,” said Jane Jackson, Executive Coordinator of the North Bay Literacy Council Inc. “We especially thank our MPP, Monique Smith and our MTCU Literacy Consultants who have been so supportive of the Literacy Council for so many years.”

“We’re taking action now to help people strengthen their skills while laid off and looking for work so they’ll be better able to find jobs in the new economy,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation.

QUICK FACTS

 3.4 million Ontario adults have literacy skills at less than a high school level.

 By 2020, about 70 per cent of new jobs are expected to require postsecondary education and training.

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