What's Literacy?
Welcome to What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec, a community-based podcast for English-speaking, lifelong literacy learners in Quebec. Our host, Dan Laxer, explores topics around community building, lifelong curiosity, and the multiple types of literacy. It's incredible what we can learn from each other!
Episodes
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to shine a spotlight on an incredible volunteer making a difference. Hear from special guest Kirtan Varasia, a dedicated volunteer tutor with RECLAIM Literacy, as he shares his experiences, what he’s learned through volunteerism, and the impact of helping learners build essential literacy skills.
We’re also featuring Joy Fyckes, Executive Director of RECLAIM Liter...
In celebration of Adult Learners’ Week (March 29–April 4, 2026), Dan chats with Lina Shoumarova, Senior Research Associate at Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN), about what adult learning can look like and why it matters. Plus, hear a sneak preview of our upcoming research project with QUESCREN!
We’re also highlighting members making a difference: Wendy Seys (Yamaska Literacy Council) on innovative liter...
In this episode, Dan is joined by Ronika Khanna (CPA, CA, CFA) from Montreal Finance to break down the essentials of income taxes and the real power of financial literacy. From understanding why filing matters to practical tips that make tax season more manageable (and far less intimidating), Ronika shares advice to help you approach your finances with clarity and confidence.
We’re also proud to feature our Member, Françoise Bravay,...
In this episode, we're celebrating World Read Aloud Day! Held on the first Wednesday of every February, this day highlights the power of reading aloud in building community and promoting literacy. To honour this day, Dan chats with children's author Sara O'Leary about her work and the benefits that reading aloud has. Sara's children's books include A Kid is a Kid is a Kid, This is Sadie, When You Were Small, and...
In this episode, Dan speaks with Tracy Woodward, Social Integration Skills Instructor at Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB), about the impact of mental health on literacy skills. Tracy shares her experiences at the Douglas Mental Health Institute, where she helps individuals reintegrate into the community by teaching essential social skills. She compassionately explains how mental illness can hinder the ability to maintain lite...
Have you ever heard of the term "AI literacy"? In this episode, Dan chats with Charlotte Nurse, Director of Programs at Canada Learning Code. Charlotte unpacks what AI really is, how it works, and how we can use it responsibly and effectively, such as a tool to enhance learning and boost productivity. If you're nervous about AI use, you won't want to miss this conversation!
Talking about money can often feel anxiety-inducing for many of us...but it doesn't have to be. Join host Dan Laxer as he chats with Li Zhang, Director of Social Impact and Financial Literacy Leader at CPA Canada. Li leads CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program and Indigenous Mentorship Program, helping Canadians build confidence in managing their finances. They dive into why it’s important to talk about money, how to ask for ...
Join Dan Laxer as he chats with Therese Callahan, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Assistance and Referral Centre (ARC), for an insightful conversation on health literacy!
In this episode, they dive into the amazing work ARC does to help English-speaking Quebecers on the South Shore navigate health and social services. Dan and Therese also talk about what health literacy is and why it matters, the impact of AI and technology in...
In time for back-to-school season, Dan chats with Joseph D'Intino, a psychologist (Ph.D.) from The Montreal Fluency Centre, about the challenges that children may experience when transitioning to new grades or schools. How can children and parents navigate these changes? Joseph offers his insight and top tips.
The Montreal Fluency Centre website: Home - Montreal Fluency CentreMore on Literacy Quebec:
In our latest epsiode, Dan chats with Melissa Racine from MediaSmarts about the challenges of managing screentime in today's digital age. They delve into practical strategies for balancing screen use, particularly for children and families. Melissa shares tips on setting limits, encouraging healthy tech habits, and fostering open communication regarding digital consumption.
MediaSmarts website: https://mediasmarts.ca/
More on Literac...
Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy skills sharp while enjoying all those summer adventures. Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with ideas to keep your...
In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Dan chats with Alix about his journey and experiences as a lifelong educator, issues Black-Quebecers have historically faced (an...
Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy!
Barbara's website: https://barbarareid.ca/
More on Literacy Quebec:
In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students.
Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada to discuss financial literacy and their Money Matters program. What is finan...
Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. In this episode, Wendy Seys, president of LQ’s board and Executive Director of Yamaska Literacy Council, leads an enlightening conve...
Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while juggling other commitments. To celebrate, Jessica speaks with three people from The Learning Exchange, a not-for-profit literacy organizat...
Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with Nelson Education. He has appeared on City TV News and Breakfast Television to discuss issues pertaining to anti-Black racism, its impact ...
Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with Kristin to learn more about what the Centre for Family Literacy does and the programs they offer, how families can practice their literacy ski...
Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care are important in maintaining better mental health, as well as what these terms mean.
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Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature.
Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/
Nadia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nadialhohnauthor
Orca Books (independently-owned publishing house that strives to produce books for young people that encompass al...
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