CUPE has recently released Influences: Lessons from policy and practices in literacy and essential skills in Canada, 1990-2019.

This new report, written by Linda Shohet and Isabelle Coutant, explores the evolution of literacy and essential skills over the past 30 years in Canada. It analyzes trends in government policies and their impacts (positive and negative) on literacy practitioners and learners. It also includes a review of recent literature in the form of summaries of key documents.

A number of important lessons can be taken away from this report. Literacy is crucial today and will continue to be in the future. Learning must occur from a broad-based and long-term perspective, rather than over a limited and short-term horizon. Adult education must primarily center on the needs and goals of the persons themselves, while at the same time addressing social and cultural aspects. The importance of establishing partnerships and maintaining a diversity of approaches was also highlighted.
– CUPE

To echo Brigid Hayes, “ This report makes an important contribution to our understanding of the state of literacy and essential skills in Canada and how we got here.”

Thanks to CUPE under the guidance of Carol Proulx for funding this report.