National Adult Literacy Database

According to a recent RBC small business survey, only 46 per cent of Canadian small businesses have a dedicated website, and less than half (48 per cent) of those businesses say they sell their products and services through their websites.

On March 6, Bay Street's sharpest minds will compete against one another to raise money for Frontier College, Canada's original literacy organization. Frontier College President Sherry Campbell is inspired by the continued growth of the Scrabble Corporate Challenge, now in its ninth year. "It's a wonderful reminder of the value that the corporate community places on literacy," she said.

Older workers (U.S.) were less likely to lose their jobs during the recession but those who were laid off are facing far tougher conditions than their younger colleagues, according to new research from Boston College. Workers in their 50s are about 20 per cent less likely than workers aged 25 to 34 to become re-employed.

James Bridle, a London, UK-based editor, publisher and self-proclaimed book futurist, thinks digital technology could be used to enhance one-on-one relationships between author and readers, which he thinks will be just as valuable in the future as social online reading and writing.

In her first jobs roundtable discussion with members of Ontario's Jobs and Prosperity Council, business leaders and young entrepreneurs, Premier Kathleen Wynne reiterated her commitment to create jobs and build a stronger economy and a fair society by ensuring our young people have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

If you want to maximize your success as you climb the career ladder, and avoid slipping, here are the top 10 phrases one columnist suggests we stop using in the workplace.

For most organizations, defining what exactly constitutes a high-performing employee with a bright future in the company is a constantly moving target. While there are countless Top 10 Jobs of the Future lists, outlining careers in everything from business analytics to medical technology, the job title is becoming less of an identifier when it comes to strategic hiring.

Nine in 10 (90 per cent) chief financial officers interviewed find it very or somewhat beneficial to use temporary workers when maintaining productivity. Eighty-nine per cent of survey respondents said hiring contingent staff is an effective way to evaluate prospective first-time employees firsthand.

As the trend towards "internationalizing" education in Canada continues, the Study and Go Abroad Fair, recognized as Canada's largest international university and student travel expo, features a myriad of post-secondary studies from Certificate programs to Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees, as well as gap year and other student travel opportunities. The student expo will take place in Montreal on March 2, Toronto March 3, and Vancouver March 5.

As part of its ongoing skills initiative, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the findings of its Symposium on Skills and Small Business held in November. From the outset of the project, it has been clear Canada must upgrade the skills of its domestic workforce, including the essential skills that are critical for improved training outcomes and productivity growth.

The Talent Group Canada has been relocating talented, skilled workers, such as Class 1 & 3 drivers, Engineers, Welders, Heavy Duty Mechanics, and Framers from Ontario to positions with employers throughout Western Canada with great results for both the employer and new employee. Here are tips for organizations that will assist in making any inter-provincial relocation a success.

This series will feature experts discussing the community impact of family literacy development, the latest research in the field of family literacy, and cultural competency.

Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, addressed Canada’s growing skills and labour shortage in a keynote speech at the Employer of Distinction Awards luncheon. Minister Raitt was speaking on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. She said: "Governments, business, training institutions and other groups must work together to provide Canadians with the information, training and work experience needed for the careers that are in demand."

An innovative new learning and development pilot project has been announced to help Inuit build their skills and experience for potential future positions in the public service. The first group of participants is anticipated to begin their work placements in late May 2013.

Only a decade ago, to suggest mental health was a critical issue for Canadian businesses would have seemed ludicrous. That sentiment seems to be rapidly waning.