This release was issued under a previous government.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Officer

Minister Schmidt is joined by Teena Cormack, Read On Volunteer Tutor, Lil Radley, Lethbridge Library Services Coordinator and Yudith San Miguel, recipient of English language supports through the government funded community adult learning program.

The largest grant offered through this program, of $260,000, will support Lethbridge Public Library’s Read On Program, which provides adult and family literacy, and help with learning English. CALP assists 130 organizations provincewide as part of a larger commitment to help Albertans access foundational learning opportunities, such as reading, writing, and occupational training.

“One in five Albertans is held back by low literacy skills and this has a tremendous impact on our society. We know good jobs start with a good education and by supporting foundational learning programs, we’re helping Albertans break down barriers and improve their quality of life.”

Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education

“When I came to Read On as a new immigrant to Canada, I spoke very little English. Thanks to the supports that were available to me, I’m now in university working toward Human Resources Certification.”

Yudith San Miguel, recipient of English language supports

CALP is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that Albertans are “Future Ready” and have the skills and training they need to succeed in a changing economy.

“We’re proud of our award-winning Read On Program and excited to receive this grant, which allows us to partner with community organizations to provide innovative programs. It’s great to have this opportunity to share the impact of our literacy programs with the minister and the community.”

Terra Plato, Lethbridge Public Library CEO

Through CALP, the Alberta government provides approximately $15 million in funding to non-profit and other organizations, whose services reach 600 communities across the province.

Quick facts

  • CALP is expected to have provided learning opportunities to more than 40,000 adults across Alberta in 2015-16.
  • Lethbridge Public Library’s Read On Adult Literacy Program has helped Albertans improve their adult literacy and family literacy skills for more than 30 years.
  • Lethbridge Public Library collaborates with more than 19 community organizations, serving families and adults with year-round learning opportunities in a classroom setting or through tutoring.
  • Lethbridge Public Library statistics:
    • Approximately 60 to 75 per cent of learners have achieved their personal, educational,
      or employment goals.
    • This programming serves approximately 250 people each year, and 1,486 over the past five years.
  • The government released new guidelines in 2016 to refocus the Community Adult Learning Program on literacy and foundational learning, which includes adult literacy, numeracy, English language learning, basic computer skills, foundational life skills and family literacy.