FOR RELEASE     #06-018
January 25, 2006

WHITEHORSE - Efforts to increase literacy skills in the territory for current and future generations are being furthered by the Government of Yukon in 2006.

The Government of Yukon's Literacy Strategy Review began earlier this month. The review is an opportunity for literacy stakeholders to provide input into current and future Yukon government literacy programs and services.

"I'm pleased to announce that the Literacy Strategy Review is going very well and participation in the communities is strong," Education Minister John Edzerza said. "I look forward to the outcomes of the consultation process throughout Yukon communities and Whitehorse.

"On average, we have very high literacy rates in the Yukon, but we want to make sure that everyone has the literacy skills they need in order to participate fully in their community and in the labour force. That's what the Literacy Strategy Review is all about - improving the quality of living for all Yukoners."

George Green, an experienced literacy advocate and practitioner, is heading up the Literacy Strategy Review consultations with Yukoners across the territory. Green brings a wealth of experience in literacy and community consultation to the Literacy Strategy Review.

"Developing strong and functional partnerships with literacy stakeholders is key to ensuring the success of the Literacy Strategy Review," Green said. "We will be visiting all of the Yukon's communities to find out what people need in order to increase literacy in their community. The most important part of our job will be to listen to Yukoners and to ensure they have the opportunity to contribute to the literacy review process."

"We are pleased to welcome George Green aboard this very special literacy project," Edzerza said. "The government will be listening to the recommendations that come out of the  review process and we will be planning for the support necessary to implement those recommendations.

"Literacy is a foundation for lifelong learning - we want every Yukoner to have the skills and training they need so that they can contribute to healthier communities and a more vibrant economy," Edzerza added.

The Department of Education invites the public to fill out the Literacy Strategy Review questionnaire located at http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/ or available by calling 667-5690 or 1-800-661-0408, extension 5690.

-30-

Backgrounder attached.

Contact:

BACKGROUNDER

• The Government of Yukon has recently invested approximately $130,000 of Community Training Funds and Community Development Funds for a workplace literacy project for employees of First Nation governments that will be delivered by Yukon Learn.

• The Literacy Action Committee, funded by the Government of Yukon, awarded nearly $200,000 to literacy projects throughout Yukon in 2005.

• The Government of Yukon has invested $100,000 to undertake the Literacy Strategy Review.

• A main component of the Literacy Strategy Review is consultation with Yukoners in all of the communities.

• In the 2003 International Adult Literacy Skills Survey, Yukoners had the highest prose literacy scores of all Canadian jurisdictions, and ranked above countries such as Switzerland.