P.E.I. senator calls for Literacy Alliance funding to be restored

Island Senator Elizabeth Hubley is urging the federal government to reinstate core funding to the PEI Literacy Alliance.

Funding to the Alliance was cut in 2014, and it announced earlier this month it would be forced to close by next year if the funding was not reinstated.

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The low literacy rate is becoming a national problem.– P.E.I. Senator Elizabeth Hubley

Hubley has started an inquiry in the Senate on the state of literacy on P.E.I., with a particular focus on the need for federal funding for the PEI Literacy Alliance.

She noted a 2012 study by the Organisation for the Economic Co-operation and Development that showed that 45 per cent of working age Islanders lack the skills necessary to participate fully in society. The national rate is 43 per cent.

"The low literacy rate is becoming a national problem," she said. "I would like to see some importance put on that literacy rate so that we can improve it. And of course organizations like the PEI Literacy Alliance would have a significant role in doing that."

The PEI Literacy Alliance describes itself is an umbrella organization of provincial and national organizations with an interest in literacy, and offers programs that support adult learners, families, and children.

Beneficial to economy

Hubley said higher levels of literacy skills are "fundamental to the success of the province."

"By improving reading ability, people can make more money they probably have more opportunities to work and as a result, this also has a positive effect on the province's economy."

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