Premier Binns advised that literacy is a very important social and economic issue in Prince Edward Island. “Increasing provincial literacy levels is our greatest opportunity to grow our economy and improve our quality of life,” said the premier. “This is not something schools or governments can do alone, but only when all partners are working together, including the federal government.”

Education Minister Mildred Dover advised that literacy is determined by many factors and the only way to effectively address literacy is by working in partnership with families, businesses and communities. “The PEI Literacy Alliance has been a powerful force in bringing people together to improve literacy and learning in our province. We are beginning to make very good progress in this area and it is paramount that our good work continues,” said Minister Dover.

Premier Binns has written to the prime minister and the federal minister of finance requesting that they immediately reinstate approximately $100,000 in annual funding to the Literacy Alliance and $325,000 to the province for community literacy projects and grants. “I will also be discussing the issue with the prime minister at our next meeting,” he said.

Premier Binns assured Islanders that provincial funding for other adult literacy and education programs such as the GED program will continue and these programs will not be affected.