Imagine being unable to read a menu, a street sign or your child's report card. Imagine not being able to use a library, or read a detailed article in a magazine or newspaper. Imagine being unable to pursue a dream. More than 38 percent of Canadians can read only simple words or sentences.

Literacy is everyone's right. It is nothing less than the right to full participation in society.

The City of Toronto, along with community organizations and Boards of Education, are working to remove barriers to learning and community through learner-oriented programs. The people of Toronto have been at the forefront of establishing a caring and compassionate society, which guarantees dignity for all.

I, Mayor Mel Lastman, on behalf of Toronto City Council and the 2.4 million people of our great City, hereby proclaim September 2000 as "International Literacy Month" and September 8, 2000 as "International Literacy Day" in the City of Toronto. As we enter a new millenium, the City of Toronto re-affirms its commitment to eliminate illiteracy by the year 2010. We recognize the need to continue efforts to ensure that everyone's right to literacy is met.