Message from the Honourable Joyce Fairbairn

This is the International Year of the Family. It is an opportune time to think about the family's key role in encouraging literacy in our children.

Reading is the foundation of literacy. A child who is encouraged to read develops a habit for life--an invaluable habit for personal, social and economic development.

Literacy helps promote the self-esteem of individuals. It empowers them economically, socially, culturally and politically. It gives them the confidence and the knowledge they need to be active participants in our fast-changing, complex society.

I encourage you to use the Read Up On It kit to find new books to read with your children. And if you are interested in finding out more about literacy in the home, the kit has a list of helpful resource materials.

As the Minister with special responsibility for Literacy, I believe that the federal government gives literacy a special priority because it is the foundation of learning. The National Literacy Secretariat is pleased to participate as a partner with the National Library in the Read Up On It program.

Enjoy Read Up On It, and use it to help develop a habit for life--reading.

Joyce Fairbairn