National Adult Literacy Database

Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, have announced reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. “Canada is experiencing significant skills shortages in many sectors and regions, and Canadians must always have first crack at job opportunities when they become available,” said Minister Finley.

More schools and more students in New Brunswick are getting on board with a pilot program that highlights in-demand skilled trades. The N.B. Teen Apprentice Program started last year as a three-year pilot project aimed at giving high school students a head start on skilled trades-related apprenticeships.

There’s still time to participate in Canadian Literacy and Learning Network’s (CLLN’s) national survey of the Literacy and Essential Skills (L/ES) workforce. The survey is scheduled to end on April 30.

This is a reminder that the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) has taken steps to enhance its popular online library. NALD library users have the opportunity to post their comments when accessing and making use of online resources. This interactive feature is designed to help promote the high calibre of the NALD library offerings and also to assist users in their search for resources that are best suited to their purposes.

I DO BUSINESS - National Summit & Tradeshow was held on March 4-6, 2013 in Toronto. The three-day event was a great success, with over 150 individuals participating from coast to coast to coast. This National Summit boasted a variety of top-notch speakers on business and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship. Participants also noted that the networking opportunities were excellent, with many people leaving the event with binders full of business cards representing new opportunities and new friends.

Literacy is an essential skill in rebuilding a stronger economy. It provides the foundation for life-long learning and is often the gateway to obtaining skills required for employment. This year, the Council of the Federation Literacy Awards were presented to Elizabeth Cormier and Maria (Candy) Mateo who were recognized for outstanding progress and for overcoming adversity in adult learning.

Every year, many Canadians, particularly those on low incomes, miss out on a range of financial benefits and supports they are entitled to from the federal government. There are many reasons for this ‘low take-up’. Many may not know they are eligible. Or, they may face challenges applying for benefits or filing their income tax returns. Many simply do not know where to turn for help.

According to Randy Dickinson, chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, on the occasion of Equality Day, April 17: "On that special date, we will be celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that embodies Canada's commitment to equality and justice for all."

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s annual fundraiser, Letters for Literacy, engages businesses to purchase a letter of the alphabet in support of adult literacy initiatives.

Deanna Allen, the executive director of Laubach Literacy New Brunswick, says the future of New Brunswick's economy depends on improved literacy. More than half of the province’s population needs to improve their reading and writing skills, she said.

Following an increase the previous month, employment declined by 55,000 in March, all in full-time work. The unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 7.2 per cent.

A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says Canada must upgrade the skills of its domestic workforce, including the essential skills that are critical for improved training outcomes and productivity growth.

Literacy and lifelong learning are important tools that give Canadians the skills necessary to understand how to read, communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in all areas of life. One of the goals of Adult Learners’ Week is to promote and facilitate easier access to these opportunities.