On International Literacy Day, the Quality in Lifelong Learning Network (aka QUILL Learning Network) issues an urgent call to action for increased and sustained investment in adult literacy programs across the province. New data underscores that nearly half of Ontario’s adult population faces literacy challenges, posing a significant barrier to individual well-being and the province’s economic prosperity.
“Literacy is the bedrock of a thriving society and a robust economy. In Ontario, 49% of our adult population scores below high-school literacy levels, with 17% at the lowest level,” states LNO Spokesperson Summer Burton. “This isn’t just an individual struggle; it’s a provincial challenge that impacts our workforce, our economy, our health, and our civic engagement. The time for urgent, decisive action is now.”
The Economic Imperative: Investing in adult literacy programs delivers exceptional economic returns for Ontario. Research indicates that a one percent increase in average adult literacy skills can lead to a three percent increase in GDP. For Canada, this could mean an annual GDP increase of up to $95 billion, or approximately $2,300 more in the pockets of each Canadian. Applied provincially, Ontario could see proportional gains of approximately $25-30 billion annually from systematic literacy improvements.
Moreover, improved literacy directly enhances workforce productivity. A one percent gain in literacy can boost productivity by up to five percent. Currently, over 40% of Canada’s workforce lacks the Level 3 literacy skills required for 96% of modern jobs, contributing to an estimated $32 billion in annual productivity losses for Canada. The return on investment is clear: every dollar invested in adult literacy programs returns $7.41 to society, with workplace literacy training generating a 23% return on investment in the first year alone for employers.
A More Resilient Workforce and Healthier Communities: Beyond economic gains, higher literacy fosters a more resilient and adaptable workforce, leading to higher earning potential and greater job stability. It also correlates with improved health outcomes, civic engagement, and reduced social costs. Adults with higher literacy are better equipped to follow medication instructions, comply with medical direction, and observe health and safety measures in the workplace. Low literacy disproportionately affects newcomer, Indigenous, and low-income populations, making literacy investment a critical step towards a more equitable and inclusive Ontario.
Addressing the Funding Gap: Despite these profound benefits, Ontario’s adult literacy and basic skills (LBS) programs have faced flat funding, representing a significant missed economic opportunity. Short-term, project-based funding cycles create administrative burdens, organizational instability, staff turnover, and ultimately deliver less value for money. QUILL urges the provincial government to transition to multi-year, inflation-indexed core funding for LBS programs to ensure stability, maximize impact, and foster innovation.
Call to Action for All Ontarians: The evidence is unequivocal: Ontario cannot afford not to invest in adult literacy. On this International Literacy Day, we call on all residents of Ontario to:
- Visit quillnetwork.com to learn more about the vital work of literacy programs and how you can support them.
- Visit LNO’s “Funding Impact Dashboard” to learn more about the Economic Returns of investment into the LBS system (learningnetworks.ca/impact-dashboard)
- Contact your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and urge them to prioritize and increase sustained, inflation-indexed funding for adult literacy programs as a crucial investment in Ontario’s future.
About Literacy Networks of Ontario (LNO): LNO is a coalition of organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting adult literacy and basic skills development across the province. LNO believes that literacy is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for individual empowerment, economic prosperity, and social cohesion.
