In 1995, the path-breaking International Adult Literacy Survey reported that 17 to 22% of Canadians have difficulty dealing with everyday written material. That means that many would have trouble with:

	understanding the dosage on a medicine label
	following instructions on a common household product
	filling out an order form

Another 25% of Canadians are unsure of their reading skills, and avoid reading unless the material is very clearly written and presented.

Source: Literacy, Economy and Society: Results of the first International Adult Literacy Survey, Statistics Canada, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1995

Toronto is the most ethnically diverse city in the world. More than 130 languages are spoken here. One in four Torontonians speaks a first language other than English or French.

Source: Metro Toronto Business and Market Guide, Toronto Board of Trade

More than half (60%) of people who receive social assistance are unable to read and write well enough to function in Canadian society.

Source: International Adult Literacy Survey, Statistics Canada, 1995

Copyright © 2008 Clear Language and Design, Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development