Alison Howard
Executive Director, ABC Life Literacy Canada
A stronger, more competitive workforce starts with the basics — and that means ensuring every worker has the literacy and foundational skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy.
In today’s rapidly changing economy, the future of work isn’t just about AI, automation or emerging industries — it’s about people with the right skills. More specifically, it’s about ensuring people have the foundational skills to adapt, grow and thrive alongside technological advancements.
At ABC Life Literacy Canada, we believe that workplace literacy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Literacy goes far beyond the ability to read and write. It includes digital skills, numeracy, communication, and problem-solving — all of which are crucial skills for navigating modern workplaces. And yet, nearly half of working-age Canadians struggle with low literacy, meaning they may not have the skills needed to fully participate in a knowledge-based economy.
The reality is, if we don’t invest in upskilling and reskilling our workforce, we risk being left behind. A lack of training doesn’t just impact individual workers — it hinders productivity, increases safety risks, and slows innovation. Employers cannot afford to ignore this risk.
Technology is advancing at lightning speed, and with it comes new tools, systems, and ways of working. But while businesses are quick to invest in the technology itself, they often overlook a critical question: Do our employees have the skills to use it effectively?
That’s where workplace literacy training comes in. Whether it’s helping a warehouse worker navigate a new inventory system or supporting a PSW to complete digital health records, literacy and foundational training programs help employees keep pace with the demands of their roles. They also increase employee confidence, retention and morale — outcomes that matter in a labour market where skilled workers are in high demand.
Employers play a critical role in building the workforce of the future. By offering training that begins with foundational skills, companies not only strengthen their own operations, but also invest in the long-term economic health of their industries and communities.
It’s time to think of workplace literacy not as a gap to be addressed, but as an opportunity to be embraced. When workers are equipped with strong literacy and learning skills, they are better able to adapt to change, take on new challenges and contribute more fully to their teams. That’s good for business — and it’s good for Canada.
The good news? Employers don’t have to do this alone. Upskilling programs, workplace learning partners and government-funded resources are available to support organizations that want to take the lead.
Let’s commit to a future where no worker is left behind, not because they couldn’t keep up, but because we didn’t give them the chance to. A more literate workforce is a stronger, healthier and more competitive one. The time to invest is now.
ABC Life Literacy Canada offers free employability and life skills resources at upskillsforwork.ca.
