Exciting new project will help adults with low literacy skills engage in civic literacy in advance of the 2015 federal election

(Toronto, Ontario – August 6, 2015) – As the country prepares to go to the polls in the fall federal election, it’s important that all Canadians have the skills they need to exercise their democratic right to vote. That’s why ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC), supported by Elections Canada, is launching a new civic literacy initiative that will result in more adult Canadians with low literacy skills understanding when, where and ways to register and vote in the upcoming federal election.

Civic literacy means having the knowledge and skills you need to actively participate in your community. In Canada, this includes: voting, knowing how the government works, and understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens and elected members of government.

“ABC envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life,” states Gillian Mason, President, ABC Life Literacy Canada. “Having strong civic literacy skills is important to all Canadians because it allows an understanding of how to participate in our democratic process.  ABC is very proud that our new project will encourage adults with low literacy to gain critical civic skills. With Elections Canada’s support, we are taking a great step towards ensuring all Canadians have the tools they need to register and be ready to vote.”    

In partnership with Elections Canada, ABC has created A Guide to Voting: a Literacy Practitioner Workbook for Voting in the 2015 Federal Election. This resource will enable increased accessibility and break down barriers that may prevent adult Canadians with low literacy skills from understanding the steps to being ready to vote. ABC is arming literacy practitioners with the knowledge and resources they need to introduce civic literacy into the classroom, so that all Canadians can get ready to vote.

By providing literacy practitioners with tools to help their clientele access Elections Canada resources—and through communications outreach—we will empower adult learners to participate in the upcoming federal election. When you have strong civic literacy skills, you know how to make your voice heard by all levels of government—before, during and after an election.

To find out more about ABC’s civic literacy initiative or to download A Guide to Voting, go online to: abclifeliteracy.ca/civic-literacy

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About ABC Life Literacy Canada

ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy and essential skills. We mobilize business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. In 2014 ABC launched an initiative to provide a solution to the urgent need for workplace literacy and essential skills training—UP (upskill.ca). UP’s goal is to connect businesses seeking essential skills training for their employees with expert trainers who can provide just-right training for every need.

For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca or stay connected with us through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

For media information, please contact:

Stephanie Wells

Manager, Communications

ABC Life Literacy Canada

Tel: 416 218-0010 x 122

Email: swells@abclifeliteracy.ca