SENATORS TAKING A STAND IN SUPPORT OF LITERACY
Senators from Atlantic Canada rallying for literacy coalitions
Senators from Atlantic Canada are rallying together to pressure the federal government to save literacy coalitions in the region, says P.E.I. Senator Diane Griffin.
Griffin says an informal gathering Wednesday brought together 11 senators who are expressing their support to do “whatever we can do.’’
She notes the senators are very impressed with how a strong push encouraged the P.E.I. government Tuesday to announce new funding for two years to keep the P.E.I. Literacy Alliance operating.
Amanda Beazley, executive director of the not-for-profit organization, said all programming will continue thanks to the $150,000 per year funding from the province.
Griffin says the senators are urging the federal government to provide long-term funding for the literacy coalitions in the region.
Newfoundland’s coalition has already closed its doors, and Griffin says Nova Scotia and New Brunswick face the same fate if they do not receive help soon.
Griffin has been pushing the federal government to make an exception to the present terms and conditions of the federal literacy program and to provide an emergency submission to the treasury board to allow the literacy coalitions in Atlantic Canada to continue to exist.
The federal government has stated that it has integrated literacy into its essential skills and training development programs, like the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy and the Skills Link program vulnerable youth.
Even the elusive P.E.I. Senator Mike Duffy, who has said he is no longer talking to reporters, has weighed in on the subject.
He stood in the Senate Thursday to praise the P.E.I. government for providing interim funding and lauded the work of the P.E.I. Literacy Alliance.
Duffy said senators from the region met Wednesday to explore how they can help improve literacy.
“This meeting of senators from all four Atlantic provinces — from all political parties and groupings — is a first,’’ he said in the Senate.
“And it’s a sign that Atlantic senators are ready to work together for our region.’’
Duffy adds that while education is a provincial responsibility, the negative social and economic impact of illiteracy is so great it will take the combined resources of the federal and provincial governments to make a difference.
“Congratulations to our colleague Senator Diane Griffin, who is leading on this issue, and to all Atlantic senators for their commitment to resolving this problem which affects the lives of so many of our fellow citizens.’’