SUNSHINE COAST – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons says funding boost to community-based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs will help people gain skills in reading, writing, math and digital literacy.

“Literacy makes a significant difference in peoples’ lives, whether it’s at work, school, home, or out enjoying our beautiful Sunshine Coast,” said MLA Simons. “I’m excited for people to take advantage of these incredible programs and am so grateful to the organizations doing this work to improve the lives of people in our communities.” 

In Gibsons, the Gibsons & District Public Library will operate the Community Access to Literacy and Learning Program. In qathet Regional District, Lift Community Services of qathet Society will run the Community Adult Literacy & Learning (CALL) programs. 

The New Democrat government is investing $2.9 million in the Community Adult Literacy Program which includes a one-time investment for 2021-22. This support will fund 97 programs, delivered by 66 organizations in 128 communities throughout the province.

Community based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs are provided free of charge and delivered by community organizations, Indigenous-led organizations, and public-post secondary institutions. Literacy programming typically includes one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction which supports all levels of literacy. In 2020, many programs shifted to online service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more: Adult literacy programs receive funding boost