News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--FORUM ON LITERACY ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia is taking a lead role in developing a Canadian guideline for economic education. As part of the Nova Scotia Forum on Literacy, approximately 100 people from across the province are meeting Tuesday in Halifax to discuss the need for basic economic education in Nova Scotia and across Canada. The forum will be held at the World Trade & Convention Centre, Highland Suite. In recent years the literacy levels of workers have been seen as increasingly critical to overall economic performance, according to the International Adult Literacy Survey conducted last year. Nova Scotia is the first province to hold consultations on the "Guideline for Economic Literacy" produced in partnership with the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE). "This demonstration demonstrates out ongoing commitment to creating a learning culture in Nova Scotia," said Premier John Savage, "a culture which will continue to support the talents and abilities of the province's citizens." He said that to become more confident in making everyday decisions around money and finance, " we must equip ourselves with basic economic education that will help us in the workplace, in the community and the home." The guideline is part of a six-year initiative called Economics Canada. Which outlines what Canadians need to know to make every day economic decisions with confidence and competence. "Our long term goal is to make Canada the most literate society in the world in terms of economic understanding," said Gary Rabbior, president of CFEE. "It is essential to equip all Canadians with the ability to apply sound economic principles to decisions and options in their everyday lines." The provincial government has been actively promoting literacy, as demonstrated by the introduction of the Community Learning Initiative, which has resulted in the establishment of 27 learning networks across the province. The learning networks represent cultural groups, school boards, literacy councils, businesses, trade unions, community colleges, visible minorities, government agencies and community groups which provide social and human services. Network members have been invited to share in a panel discussion that will highlight their innovative ideas with other participants at the forum. The forum is being hosted by the Department of Education & Culture and includes participation by members of various interest groups from across Nova Scotia. -30- NOTE TO EDITORS: Background information of CFEE and members of the panel on Community Learning Initiatives/Community Visions is available by calling 1-800-670-4357 (toll free) or 424-5200. Contact: Anne Marie Leger 902-424-4595 trp Mar. 04, 1996 - 10:30 a.m.