On June 12, 2003, the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities tabled Raising Adult Literacy Skills: The Need for a Pan-Canadian Response. The report sets out a comprehensive analysis of literacy issues in Canada and makes a series of recommendations for actions to address those issues.

The Government of Canada recognizes that literacy skills are the foundation for learning – and for participation – in a knowledge-based economy and society. For this reason, the Minister of Human Resources Development asked the Committee to undertake a study of literacy issues. The Standing Committee has produced the first comprehensive Parliamentary report on literacy in Canada, and the Government of Canada welcomes the Committee's analysis, perspective, and advice on this important issue. The Government of Canada presents its response to the report.