Critical Crossroads: Examining the Intersections Between Youth, Criminal Justice and Literacy

TORONTO, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - On June 5^th, 2012, a think-tank of experts in youth, criminal justice and literacy will create a much-needed national literacy strategy.

In Winnipeg, this discussion will be moderated by University of Winnipeg President Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, and feature panelists Justice Murray Sinclair (Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission), Chief Dale McFee (President of Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police), YOUCAN CEO Dave Farthing and Frontier College President Sherry Campbell.  This conversation will be webcast live, and will welcome questions for panelists via twitter (@frontiercollege) and email ([email protected]).

The conversation will explore:

• The key gaps and challenges in the current literacy landscape for at-risk youth and those involved in the criminal justice system
• A literacy strategy that supports at-risk youth, as well as those involved in the criminal justice system, in building their skills and capacities so they can become full members of society
• The features and characteristics necessary to the success of the strategy
• Methods that the justice system, schools, governments, police, communities and others can best use to work together and complement each other to leverage literacy as part of a coherent solution to this issue

The forum will also discuss the results of a national public opinion poll conducted by Leger Marketing which reveals, among other things, that the public believes education is more important than employment, recreation, or a stable home life, in terms of keeping youth out of jail.

Also on June 5^th, full-day conferences will be hosted by Frontier College in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax and Toronto.  These conferences fill the knowledge gap of current research and provide promising program practice for those working on the front lines that provide a wide range of community support.

Critical Crossroads: Youth, Criminal Justice and Literacy is generously sponsored by Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life through their national corporate citizenship program.

"Literacy factors into employability, civic engagement, the potential of youth and the overall vitality of our communities," says Jan Belanger, Assistant-Vice President, Community Affairs, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "This forum brings together stakeholders who share a common priority and the insights to inform a national strategy. It's the kind of collaborative effort our companies encourage to build stronger communities together."

About Frontier College

Frontier College is Canada's original literacy organization. Founded in 1899, this non-profit organization recruits and trains volunteers to deliver literacy programs to children, youth and adults in communities across the country. Frontier College helps Canadians improve their literacy and increase their opportunities.  We believe that literacy is a right.

About Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life

Together, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life serve the financial security needs of more than 12 million people across Canada. As an Imagine Caring Company, the companies donate at least one per cent of average pre-tax profits to non-profit, charitable and community organizations each year.

please contact Abby Robins, Director of Communications, Frontier College  [email protected]
Office: 416-923-3591 ext. 378
Cell: 416-277-3340
www.frontiercollege.ca

Marlene Klassen
Assistant Vice-President, Communication Services
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
[email protected]
Office: 204-946-7705