About 58 out of 100 Canadian adults aged 16 to 65 have the basic reading skills they need for most everyday reading. However, the other 42 of the 100 working-age adults in Canada have lower literacy than is needed to cope with the increasing information demands of our society.

The unequal distribution of strong literacy skills in society is associated with economic and social inequalities. Therefore, improving literacy skills across social class lines and between ethnic groups and the sexes is paramount to achieving greater equality of income and opportunity.

Many with low literacy skills are uncomfortable disclosing their low literacy skills and asking for help. Low literacy has a strong social stigma, especially in the workplace. As the impact of technology in the labour market grows, workers without the confidence and learning skills to adapt may be left behind. Adults with low proficiency are just as motivated and interested in education as those with higher proficiency. However, they are much less likely to access education and training opportunities due to financial and time constraints. Also, Canadians with low proficiency and less than high school education have much less access to employer-sponsored training than Canadians with postsecondary education.

How are low literacy skills impacting social equality? What steps can we take to reduce this inequality? What steps can we take to raise awareness among employers, educators, policymakers about the need to create more opportunities for growth for low-literacy adults.

Students will receive support from all staff members of PALS to complete the project