Literacy Nova Scotia is shutting down because the federal government pulled its funding.

The Truro-based non-profit provides training and funding to smaller, local literacy programs around the province. It has operated for 20 years.

The Harper government’s office of literacy and essential skills stopped funding literacy programs in all ten provinces and the territories.

Executive Director Jayne Hunter said five people are out of work.

"We can get another job in a hurry. The concern for us is that the important work that Literacy Nova Scotia does as an organization will end," she said.

Grail Sangster of the Guysborough Adult Learning Association said that’s a concern. The association relied on Literacy Nova Scotia for bursaries and money for transportation, books and supplies.

"The money would disappear from our radar because if they don't administer it, I don't know who will. And I don't know who's going to take the time to make sure that it's delivered fairly and that it's accounted for," Sangster said.

Literacy Nova Scotia also provides training and professional development for the association.