Leaders must work together

A consortium of literacy experts is urging Alberta's industrial, governmental and non-profit sectors to work together to increase literacy rates in Alberta, in order to ensure this province remains globally competitive.
To that end, sector leaders are invited to take part in a day-long Think Tank which will focus on implementing a mutually beneficial literacy policy for the province.
Earlier this month, MLAs, senior government officials and industry leaders were presented with a proposed literacy policy for consideration and review.
Literacy Alberta executive director Janet Lane said government, industry and non-profit organizations must work together to improve literacy in Alberta.
Research shows 40 per cent of working Albertans do not have adequate literacy levels, impacting our productivity, competitiveness and worker safety. Lane said Alberta can and must do better.
"There are over 700,000 working age Albertans with low literacy skills. The developing world is educating its workforce at unprecedented rates. If we expect to make gains in the global economy, we must create a learning culture." And she said leadership on this issue must come from the top.
"We need our leaders in government, industry and the community to embrace continuous learning as a way of life." Lane suggested literacy and learning outcomes should be built into government goals and industry business plans in order to create a culture where learning thrives.
The literacy Think Tank will take place Sept. 8 in Calgary. Lane said representatives from each sector are being encouraged to attend in order to develop an action plan that will work for all.
For more information on the Think Tank or to review a copy of the literacy policy proposal, log on to www.literacyalberta.ca.