CFN – This year, more people in Akwesasne, Alexandria, and Cornwall 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.
In Akwesasne, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Adult Education Program is receiving $100,000 to help 53 learners.
In Alexandria, the (Projet Alpha) À La P.A.G.E. Inc. is receiving $137,000 to help 107 learners; meanwhile, the Upper Canada District School Board/LBS East is receiving $477,603 to help 225 learners.
In Cornwall, St. Lawrence College is receiving $281,472 to help 140 learners; meanwhile, the Tri-County (Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry) Literacy Council is receiving $153,786 to help 237 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.
“Ensuring every adult has the opportunity to upgrade their skills is one of the best investments we can make. Not only does it help more people succeed, but it builds a strong foundation for our local economy.” – Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
“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.” – John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
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 skillsupgrading and training.
• 351 adults in Akwesasne have been helped with literacy and basic skills since 2003.
• 3,330 adults in Alexandria have been helped with literacy and basic skills since 2003.
• 3,479 adults in Cornwall 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.
The global recession was hard on economies around the world. Ontario worked with people when others would have cut them loose. The economy is back on track. Ontario jobs are coming back and growth is returning. See the progress report here: http://bit.ly/k2ADga