News Release

Literacy Expert Available to Comment on Canada's Composite Learning Index

Frontier College ready to comment on "composite learning index"

Thursday, May 11, 2006 -- For Immediate Release-

TORONTO, Ontario - On Monday, May 15, the Canada Council on Learning (CCL) will release its Composite Learning Index (CLI), assessing the state of learning in Canada. John O'Leary, President of Frontier College, Canada's leading literacy provider, will be available to comment on the findings of the CCL and to the critical role of literacy for Canada's learning prospects.

What: Release of the Canada Council on Learning's Composite Learning Index (CLI )

When: Monday May 15, 2006

Who: John O'Leary, President of Frontier College. For more than 100 years, Frontier College has worked on the frontlines of literacy. It provides literacy skills training to thousands of Canadians every year through direct programs and via training of a national network of volunteers and community partners.

Literacy in Canada: 42% of Canadians are in literacy levels 1 and 2 as defined by Statistics Canada. This group of people does not have the literacy skills necessary to thrive in today's knowledge-based society. Improving literacy levels necessitates a significant collective response: public, private, individual and corporate. If Canada wants to compete in the global economy, we need to invest in literacy.

"Literacy is Canada's hidden crisis," says John O'Leary. "While we strive to increase productivity and enhance our learning, four in ten Canadians can't understand everyday written materials. Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it impacts health, prosperity, employment, productivity and public safety. Any discussion about learning is ultimately a discussion about literacy, and any solution for improving learning in Canada needs to incorporate improving literacy levels."

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If you are interested in an interview with John O'Leary,
one of Canada's leading literacy thinkers and "do-ers," please contact:

Sandi Kiverago, Director of Communications,
Frontier College,
416-923-3591 x318, cell: 416-841-1212
skiverago@frontiercollege.ca

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right.
Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. 42% of adult Canadians have trouble with everyday tasks that involve reading. That's millions of Canadians who are not reaching their potential. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping people to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way.

www.frontiercollege.ca

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