Linda Mitchell

I’d like to thank MCL for giving me the opportunity to write a tribute to Linda Mitchell. During my time at MCL, there was a lot of “movement” and change both in this organization and in the adult literacy landscape in Canada. Linda played an important role in both these dynamics.

Since being restructured in the late 1990s in order to support and build on the adult literacy policy and infrastructure development happening across the country, MCL has brought the leaders of the provincial and territorial literacy coalitions together to share information, develop knowledge and skills, and work together around shared concerns. In those days, the coalitions varied widely in their size, structure, level of development, and challenges. Having been the ED of Literacy BC since its creation in 1990, Linda brought enormous knowledge and insight to the roundtable of coalition leaders, and was an important mentor for those who were new to the job or whose organizations were new.

In BC, Linda made a huge contribution, from helping build Literacy BC from the ground up to forging connections with government and with other fields and sectors that need to be onside to create change. She served on numerous provincial and national Advisory Boards promoting literacy issues with government, the media and the public. Linda’s credibility with decision-makers undoubtedly played a role in some of the positive policy developments in the province (such as tuition-free ABE for those who have not completed high school). No one was surprised when she was asked to chair the Premier’s Advisory Panel on Literacy.

At the national level, the early 2000s were a time of great activity and purpose, as the federal government was consulting the literacy community and other sectors to develop a national agenda for skills and learning. MCL and the coalitions worked intensively to build consensus and partnerships nationally and in each province and territory. Linda’s knowledge, experience, and connections made her a valuable advisor and strategist in this campaign.

On a personal level, Linda was “kind, compassionate, and a great leader” (in the words of one of her staff at Literacy BC). Though struggling with cancer, she continued to work hard for the cause she was so passionate about – an inspiration to colleagues and friends across the country. She will be remembered with affection and respect, and will be greatly missed.

Wendy DesBrisay
Past MCL Executive Director (2000 – 2008)