Province Seeks Input on Adult Learning Act

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is seeking input from interested groups and Nova Scotians to develop an Adult Learning Act.

A discussion paper was released today, Sept. 14, in English and French, and is available at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/ .

The department is holding regional sessions for adult learning partners who work directly with the adult education division, but anyone may respond to the discussion paper. The deadline is Thursday, Oct. 14.

Adult learning programs, policies and services are co-ordinated by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, an initiative of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Through this initiative, the division also administers the General Educational Development tests, an international high school equivalency testing program for adults. The legislation will formalize the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning into law to provide governing and accountability measures to ensure the quality and effectiveness of adult learning.

"Improving literacy and essential skills is key to making life better for Nova Scotians," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "Government is seeking the input of Nova Scotians to help create legislation that promotes a culture of lifelong learning; a province where every place is a learning place and everyone a learner."

In 2003, the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey reported that 240,000 Nova Scotians (age 16 to 64) do not have the literacy skills required to function effectively in today's society. The survey measured literacy divided over five levels with level III being the minimum to function effectively in a knowledge-based economy.

According to the report, Addressing Canada's Literacy Challenge: A Cost/Benefit Analysis, there is considerable benefit to move Nova Scotians to Level III literacy. For example, moving 72,000 Nova Scotians from Level I to Level III, would increase employment by seven per cent, have 10,000 fewer people collecting Employment Insurance benefits and raise the average hourly wage by $2.26.

In addition to improving workforce productivity and employment opportunities, enhanced literacy skills also lead to a greater sense of confidence and engagement in family, community and civic society.

"Literacy Nova Scotia is aware that life-long learning opportunities for all Nova Scotians are crucial to the social and economic development of the province," said Ann Marie Downie, executive director, Literacy Nova Scotia. "An act to formalize the government's commitment to making learning opportunities available to all adults is an important step forward."

The province has invested $7.2 million into adult learning organizations through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. Programs are tuition free, in English and French, and offered at more than 140 sites in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne and community learning organizations.