(Queen’s Park) – Today, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop’s Private Member’s Motion calling for more funding for community literacy programs unanimously passed in the legislature.
 
The motion reads:

“That, in the opinion of this house, the Government of Ontario should provide adequate funding to Community Based Literacy and Basic Skills Programs so that the agencies can properly address the growing enrollment.”
 
Currently these programs are witnessing an increase in enrollment due to higher unemployment. Therefore, more and more Ontarians are turning to adult literacy programs in order to upgrade their skills and prepare them for today’s workplace.

“With tens of thousand of Ontarians losing their jobs each and every month the demands on community agencies are increasing rapidly,” said MPP Dunlop. “I am pleased with the passing of my motion and expect the government to include funding for Community Based Literacy and Basic Skills programs in the 2009-2010 budget which is being presented on March 26th, 2009.”

“The recent rise in unemployment has doubled the need for skills upgrading,” stated the Ontario Literacy Coalition. “Investment in foundational skills is becoming exceedingly important if Ontarians are to be successful in retraining programs that will better position them for employment.”

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For further information contact:
Garfield Dunlop, MPP
705-327-4500 (cell)