Ontario Literacy Stats

Did you know that 15% of adult Ontarians (aged 16-65) have only "Level 1" literacy? That means that they struggle to read even the most basic words and probably can't function smoothly in regular day-to-day interactions that require any reading.

What's more, 32% of adult Ontarians have "Level 2" literacy -- only slightly better. In practical terms, that means that A THIRD OF ALL ADULTS IN ONTARIO struggle to follow written instructions or to fill out basic forms. It would be difficult for them to fully comprehend insurance policies, medical instructions, employment application forms, and other such important documents.

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Skills in Canada: First Results from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). 2013, Statistics Canada and quoted in "More Than Words Can Say," 2018, Community Literacy of Ontario