Literacy in the Park

Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry with Literacy Northwest representatives.

On October 1, 2009, the Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) hosted a reception at Queen’s Park to applaud the work of literacy programs across the province. The goal was to promote awareness of how investing in literacy and basic skills programming contributes to Ontario’s economic prosperity.

Members of Provincial Parliament and numerous government ministers gathered to meet literacy stakeholders from across Ontario and acknowledge their support of individuals (especially displaced workers) through the current economic downturn.

John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation; Robert Bailey, Critic, Training and Apprenticeship; Gary Porter, transitioned adult learner and business owner; and Lesley Brown, Executive Director of the Ontario Literacy Coalition spoke to those who gathered. All applauded the efforts of the literacy practitioners, tutors, and administrators, and the success of adult learners across Ontario.

The OLC invited several people to speak to literacy as the key to economic recovery:

• Trudy Lothian – President and Chair, OLC Board of Directors (emcee)
• Honourable John Milloy – Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, and Minister of Research and Innovation; MPP (Kitchener Centre)
• Mr. Robert Bailey – Critic, Training and Apprenticeship; MPP (Sarnia-Lambton)
• Gary Porter – Transitioned Literacy, Laubach Literacy Ontario and Business Owner
• Lesley Brown – Executive Director, Ontario Literacy Coalition

  John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation and Gary Porter, transitioned adult learner.

All applauded the efforts of the literacy practitioners, tutors, and administrators, and the success of adult learners across Ontario.

Speeches can be viewed by visiting the OLC’s YouTube Channel and photos of the event can be found on the OLC Facebook Page. While visiting our networking site, become a fan of the OLC!

The Ontario Literacy Coalition is proud to have offered the opportunity for government officials and literacy stakeholders across Ontario to network. Connections made at these events go a long way to making sure literacy stays on the policy agenda.

Thank you to Reza Miridi, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister, for sponsoring the event and to everyone who attended.