National Adult Literacy Database

The author of this presentation argues that businesses must become champions of literacy because it can increase productivity and profitability, noting that higher literacy brings sustainable gains to individuals, businesses, the economy and society.

Using data from Statistics Canada and other sources, the author focuses in particular on the need to address weak literacy skills among newcomers to the country, saying that the economy is likely losing $3.4 billion to $5 billion a year due to underemployment of immigrants. Weak proficiency in Canada’s official languages plays a role in underemployment, the author notes.

The presentation includes many charts and graphs to illustrate the points raised.