Province plans to create adult literacy strategy

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This article was published 04/12/2023 (696 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s adult literacy programs may be forced to comply with new regulations to receive government funding.

Advanced Education Minister Renee Cable introduced Bill 5, the Adult Literacy Act, on Friday. It would establish the “Manitoba adult literacy program” and require the province to develop an adult literacy strategy.

Cable said the bill will make it easier for people to enroll in adult literacy and education programs.

“Ideally, working with different partners, we can build programming that is supportive and ensures that people are successful,” Cable said. “In creating the strategy, we will have input from across department lines and really across different demographics, too.”

If passed, the legislation would require organizations to offer adult literacy programs to meet certain criteria to receive provincial funding.

The bill would also allow the province to establish standards for adult literacy programs, including the minimum hours of instruction, admission requirements, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

Funded adult literacy programs will also be subject to evaluations by the department, under the legislation.

While a provincial adult literacy program and strategy could be implemented without legislation, Cable said the act was necessary to ensure there are appropriate reporting measures.

In 2021, the former Progressive Conservative government repealed the Adult Literacy Act when it passed Bill 55, the Reducing Red Tape and Improving Services Act.

“So there was no longer a need to report on, in their case, a lack of progress,” Cable said. “We want to be able to measure our programs.”

“Part of our mandate is to be an open and transparent government and this will ensure that we can let people know the successes and maybe where we need to make some changes,” she said.

The government said the bill is intended to ensure the efficacy of literacy programs and encourage stronger outcomes through mandated reporting.

On Friday, organizations that provide adult literacy programs reached by the Free Press said more time was required to review the bill before commenting on it.

However, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology communications director Alyson Pile said the school was pleased to learn adult literacy and learning is an early priority for the new provincial government.

“While we are unaware of the finer details that will accompany this act, we look forward to continuing our work with Advanced Education and Training to support literacy learners in Manitoba,” Pile said in a prepared statement.

Consultations on the proposed act and its regulations are underway, Cable said.

About 700 fewer people are taking adult literacy programs this year compared to 2017, the minister noted.

“We know that the best way towards a good, family-supporting job in this province is a good solid education that includes post-secondary and adult literacy,” she said.

Cable insisted the proposed legislation will not add red tape for organizations and will give them latitude to develop programming for their students.

“As demographics shift, as our population shifts, the needs are different, and the community needs are different as well,” Cable said.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca