Literacy and essential skills in Saskatchewan: environmental scan 2012

The goal of this report is to provide context for understanding the current state of literacy and essential skills (LES) in the province of Saskatchewan. The author discusses such issues as existing and emerging skill shortages; increasing numbers of people seeking English as a second language (ESL) training; the growing Aboriginal population and its literacy needs; and other demographic challenges faced by the province. The analysis is based on information from the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) conducted in 2003. The author notes that while the IALSS provides important information, it cannot give a complete picture. For instance, only urban Aboriginal people were included in the sample.

The report concludes that while Saskatchewan's population generally has stronger literacy skills than those of other provinces and territories, certain groups, such as Aboriginal people, immigrants, and seniors, have weaker skills. Today's jobs require greater skill levels, especially with regard to digital skills. Compared with the rest of Canada, Saskatchewan has a higher proportion of people with no certification or high school certificate, a fact that will have an effect on the match between people and jobs.

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