Cuts to literacy funding just lunacy

(From The Advertiser)

To the Editor:

If Prime Minister Steven Harper would like to have a majority government next time, he’s going about it all wrong.

The recently announced cuts to literacy of $17.7 million would affect local and regional programming, including Literacy Nova Scotia’s funding.

I’m a Director on the Literacy Nova Scotia and Valley County Learning Association. I’m also a learner as well.

I have been in the workforce for 30 years and lost my job because the company closed its doors. I started getting help two years before the company closed, but I wasn’t ready to write my GED.

I was devastated when I lost my job; I thought I was losing my mind. I couldn’t find a full-time job. Every time I filled out an application I was rejected because I didn’t have a Grade 12.

Now the literacy programs may end or will have to cut back on programs to help learners. This is a great travesty as lots of learners will end up on welfare because no company will hire them if the don’t have their Grade 12 or GED.

Last winter, when I was on unemployment, I was able to get tested to see if I had a learning problem.

The reason why I struggled then was because I have dyslexia. You can read my story on the Kings County Association web page; it’s www.KCLA.ca. Go to the personals and you will find my story.

It’s like a lot of other Canadians that have similar problems.

Wayne Baltzer

Kings County