Province to host workplace literacy institute

The Department of Education is pleased to announce that St. John�s is hosting the 4^th Atlantic Region Workplace/Workforce Institute from October 17 - 18. Twenty delegates from each of the Atlantic provinces, representing business, government, labour and education will attend the two-day event. This marks the first time the province has hosted an Atlantic Workplace/Workforce Institute.

"Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have recognized that literacy is a part of our social fabric and this recognition became our Strategic Literacy Plan, Words to Live By," said Education Minister Gerry Reid. "A key objective of Words to Live By is the support and encouragement of workplace literacy initiatives. It is critical we work with employers and unions to share information on best practices and to support and encourage workplace literacy initiatives. People need to be able to adapt to developing trends and ever-changing technologies in the workplace."

The theme for this year�s institute is Innovations in Workplace Literacy. The momentum generated by previous Atlantic institutes resulted in new initiatives being developed throughout the entire region. The Newfoundland and Labrador institute will highlight best practices and lessons learned in workplace literacy, and establish its relevance for the future prosperity of the Atlantic region.

This year�s keynote address will be delivered by Scott Murray, director general, Institutions and Social Statistics Branch, Statistics Canada. His presentation is entitled, Literacy, Numeracy and the Labour Market: Evidence and Prospects. Also slated to attend is Newfoundland and Labrador Senator Joan Cook who will bring greetings on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Media contact: Nora Daly Communications, (709) 729-1906

2003 10 16                                        4:05 p.m.