ABC Life Literacy Canada is proud to unveil the recipients of the 2026 Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award (LIA), celebrating three organizations that are advancing adult literacy through creative community-driven programming.
The 2026 top award recipient is the Further Education Society of Alberta in Calgary, AB. The organization will receive $20,000 to expand and strengthen its innovative literacy program, Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles. Two additional organizations have also been recognized with honourable mention awards: Colchester Adult Learning Association in Truro, NS, and Learning Link in Thorold, ON. Each honourable mention recipient will receive $10,000 in funding.
Selected from a strong pool of applicants, this year’s winning programs were recognized for their innovative approaches, demonstrated impact and potential to inspire and inform literacy initiatives in communities across Canada.
“This year’s winners showcase the incredible work taking place in adult literacy programs from coast to coast,” said Alison Howard, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada. “The Further Education Society of Alberta, Colchester Adult Learning Association and Learning Link have each developed programs that are making a meaningful difference in their communities. With the continued support of Canada Life, we’re proud to recognize and invest in initiatives that help strengthen literacy across the country.”
Since the award was established in 2012, ABC Life Literacy Canada has presented 65 LIAs—including 15 top awards and 50 honourable mention awards—providing $600,000 in funding to organizations dedicated to advancing adult literacy in Canada.
“When people have access to literacy supports, entire communities benefit,” said Stephanie Halligan, Director, Community Relations, Canada Life. “That’s why we’re proud to work alongside ABC Life Literacy Canada to recognize and support organizations that are finding creative ways to improve literacy outcomes and help make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
The LIA winners will be officially honoured during a virtual awards ceremony this October. The event will feature the award presentation followed by a moderated discussion with representatives from all three winning organizations, who will share insights into their innovative programs and the impact they are having in their communities. Register for the virtual event.
TOP WINNER, receiving $20,000
Further Education Society of Alberta, Calgary, AB
Program: Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC)
Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC) is a flexible literacy and workplace-readiness program that integrates the Skills for Success framework with Indigenous culture, language and community priorities. Designed to address barriers to employment for Indigenous adults, the program recognizes existing cultural knowledge as a foundation for building workplace confidence and essential skills. Over the past 15 years, IWLC has evolved to include online, hybrid and self-paced learning, improving accessibility for diverse communities.
HONOURABLE MENTION WINNERS, receiving $10,000 each
Colchester Adult Learning Association, Truro, NS
Program: Building AI Confidence for Employment and Life
Building AI Confidence for Employment and Life is a beginner-friendly adult literacy program that helps adults develop the knowledge and confidence to use artificial intelligence (AI) safely in everyday life. Created for learners with limited digital skills, the program introduces AI as a new form of literacy in a supportive, accessible environment. Participants learn practical ways to use AI for tasks such as writing, organizing ideas, meal planning and learning new skills, while also developing critical thinking, fact-checking and online safety skills.
Learning Link, Thorold, ON
Program: Wraparound Circles of Support
Wraparound Circles of Support is a learner-centred initiative that helps adults overcome barriers to literacy, education and employment through coordinated community support. Developed for learners facing challenges such as poverty, housing instability, mental health concerns and social isolation, the program creates personalized Circles of Support made up of family, friends and community partners. Using an evidence-based Wraparound model, learners identify their own strengths, goals and support needs while leading the learning process.
