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.

The Reaching IN...Reaching OUT (RIRO) trainer “intensive” prepares you to offer the RIRO Resiliency Skills Training program to service providers in your community who work with children seven years and under and their families. Join more than 200 trainers from across Canada in delivering this well-regarded program to local communities.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.

Ontario universities are joining forces to expand online learning for students in the province and beyond. They are using technology to meet the growing demand for courses and programs delivered outside the traditional classroom setting or courses that blend both traditional and electronic delivery.

SEDI is actively seeking nominations from its partners and the public for its 2013 SEDI Awards. Nominations are open until May 9, 2013. Nominate someone who has inspired you and made a real difference in the lives of low-income Canadians through their work or the example of their own life journey.

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.

Many of the grants announced support community organizations to increase their impact and create sustainable benefits for residents and their communities. OTF funding will be used to create more opportunities for engagement in community life for families and individuals of all ages and abilities through improved community activities, programs and infrastructure.

The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) invites eligible organizations to submit concept papers to indicate their interest in being part of a pan-Canadian network (PCN) focused on improving the labour market outcomes of Canadians through strengthened literacy and essential skills (LES).

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.

Through a nine-month project, Literacy Link South Central talked to young single males on Ontario Works to find out about their interests and activities, especially as they relate to technology. This research informed the content of a set of four modules (with accompanying practitioner overviews that speak to the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF) and a general introduction guide).

Working together, Ontario’s training system can achieve better employment and career advancement results for lower-skilled adults who are either on income support or are in low-wage jobs. By looking to the promising work being done in other jurisdictions, developing career ladders in Ontario could provide adults with concrete steps towards better skills and better jobs, contributing to a more productive, prosperous economy.

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.