The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) literacy survey is a ground breaking international study, and the largest study ever done in Canada, of adult education and skills in the 21^st century. For the first time, it expands the focus of information processing skills beyond literacy and numeracy to include problem solving in a technology-rich environment. The data provides us what we need to know to ensure we continue to build a stronger education system.

Canada is a dynamic country made up of two official languages; a significant First Nations population; 13 distinct provinces and territories; and a large immigrant population. Truly understanding the capacity of our country requires more than just a national overview. This is why the provinces and territories invested money to expand the international survey to delve deeper into each jurisdiction and specific sub-populations within them.

The GNWT funded an oversample of its Aboriginal population - not all jurisdictions did. A total of 900 NWT residents from 13 communities were surveyed – 450 were Aboriginal, 450 were other residents.

The PIAAC data provides an understanding of the territories’ literacy levels for 16 to 65 year olds, and will help inform the structure and objectives of literacy programs.

In order to build more effective education and skill training programs that meet the needs of our changing society, we need to know more about who holds different skill levels and why. Now that we have all the data, we are beginning to examine the results and delve deeper into the reasons behind our findings. With access to the raw data for the NWT, we will have the ability to analyze it and produce additional thematic reports, between 2014 and 2016, to inform other initiatives, as appropriate.

For more information visit www.piaac.ca or www.cmec.ca.