ABC Life Literacy Canada

(Toronto, ON - May 18, 2011) - The Board of Directors and staff at ABC Life Literacy Canada congratulate Minister Diane Finley on her re-appointment today as Canada’s Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Since 2006 Minister Finley has brought tremendous leadership and key experience that will serve Canadians very well as we seek to strengthen our human resources, the key driver in building a competitive economy for the future,” said Margaret Eaton, President of ABC Life Literacy Canada.

The Government of Canada recognizes that improving the literacy and essential skills of Canadians is important to Canada’s economic future. Through such initiatives as the Financial Literacy Task Force and the Digital Economy Strategy, the federal government has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the essential skills of Canadians. Forty-two per cent of Canadians have low literacy skills. For all Canadians to contribute to and benefit from an improved economy, we need to focus on some prerequisites necessary to fully embracing the new knowledge-based economy.

ABC Life Literacy Canada has been an active contributor with Minister Finley and her staff over the years to ensure that the skills and needs of Canadians were addressed in significant policy discussions. Improving the skills of all Canadians is reflected through various ABC initiatives including Essential Skills Day, Good Reads, Money Matters, Financial Literacy Week, and the LEARN program. Minister Diane Finley is the Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk.

Check out Minister FInley's video message to us on our 20th anniversary.