An election is an exciting time. It is a time to share ideas and to reassess the vital questions of the day. In this election, jobs and the economy are expected to dominate public attention: we have an important opportunity to demonstrate the link between the economy and literacy and basic skills. There is no better time to bring the importance of this issue to the attention of key decision-makers.

The Ontario Literacy Coalition’s (OLC’s) Election Kit is designed to help learners, champions, practitioners, and organizations speak to the needs of Ontarians requiring literacy and essential skills training. The kit is a set of tools that will help you facilitate meaningful conversations with MPPs and candidates-at meetings, on your doorstep, and during debates. We hope it will help all Ontarians make informed decisions about the literacy sector’s contribution to the future direction of our province.

OLC’s key messages focus on linking the literacy and essential skills of Ontarians to Ontario’s economic recovery and growth and to creating a higher-skilled province.

OLC’s Election Kit includes:

• OLC Election Kit Introduction and Contents
• Section 1: The Briefing Note
• Section 1: Notes de Breffage
• Section 2: Briefing Note Talking Points (NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION)
• Section 3: Riding and Regional Data Form Template
• Section 3: Fiche D’Information
• Section 4: Template Letter for Literacy Advocates to Send to Candidates
• Section 5: Template Letter for Literacy Learners to Send to Candidates
• Section 5: Modèle de Lettre à Adresser aux Candidats
• Section 6: Key Information and Dates

Other useful resources:

• Candidates Nominated to Date - Provincial Election 2011- ETFO
• Charitable and Nonprofit Dos and Don’ts During an Election Campaign – Imagine Canada
• Ontario Nonprofit Network's Election Strategy

If you have any questions, information to share, or requests for assistance, please contact Gareth Blair, Manager of Research, Policy and Development, at gareth@on.literacy.ca or (416)963-5787 ext.32.

MAKE LITERACY AN ISSUE!