National Adult Literacy Database

With support from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Legacy of Hope Foundation, the Residential Schools curriculum is now a key section of the Northwest Territories Northern Studies course and the Nunavut Social Studies course. The curriculum was piloted in March of 2012 with a select number of schools across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Employment increased for the second consecutive month in September, up 52,000, mainly in full-time work. There was more employment in a number of industries, including retail and wholesale trade; construction; information, culture and recreation as well as agriculture. Employment rose in Ontario and Manitoba and fell in Saskatchewan with little change shown in the other provinces.

“Take a stand for teachers” is the slogan of World Teachers’ Day 2012 which UNESCO is celebrating along with its partners: the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF and Education International. Taking a stand for the teaching profession means providing adequate training, ongoing professional development, and protection of teachers’ rights.

An adult learning centre agent from Quebec shares his methods for approaching local businesses. The demand for these programs is out there; the key is to let employers and workers know that these innovative training programs are available.

Since 2001, Literacy Nova Scotia has set aside the first full week in November to celebrate, promote and acknowledge the many roles that literacy and essential skills play in the lives of every citizen in Nova Scotia. All friends of literacy are encouraged to take action and to tell others about the importance of literacy and essential skills in everyone’s life.

Author Sheree Fitch is honorary spokesperson for the New Brunswick Literacy Coalition. The coalition initiated the Sheree Fitch Adult Learner Scholarships given out annually from monies raised by Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournaments for Literacy.

Decoda's Workplace Wednesday connects you with resources that link literacy to business, industry and the workplace. Today’s resource is a review of essential skills literacy initiatives in Ontario.

"These forecasts signal some light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the uncertainty of the global economy, thanks to the stabilization of the inflation rate in Quebec and the rest of Canada, workers will be able to make their raises go further," said Florent Francoeur, President and CEO of Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés.

An Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) report examines the region's labour market as it attempts to cope with weakening demographics. In its report, APEC identifies specific challenges confronting the region's labour market in the coming years as employers strive to secure an adequate supply of trained workers.

Sandi Howell is Provincial Manager, Sector Council Program, Essential Skills and RPL, at Industry Workforce Development (IWD), in Manitoba’s Department of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade. She also serves as the province’s strategic advisor to Workplace Education Manitoba.

Oh, cover letters — you’re such a mystery. I mean, what do you do, exactly? And who has the time to read you? There’s already a resumé, an email to which the resumé is attached … or wait, are you in the body of that email? Is that where you should be?

A new report notes that young Canadians are among the best educated in the world, knowledgeable about technology, connected to social networks and animated by global issues, but there’s a gap between those who thrive and others left behind.

The five finalists were chosen by the award-winning, three-member jury empaneled for the 2012 prize: Irish author and screenwriter Roddy Doyle; Canadian publisher, writer and essayist Anna Porter; and American author and satirist Gary Shteyngart. This is the 19th year of the prize.

"As Canadian business looks to compete globally in the future, there is no question about the importance of productivity. But whether we embrace the importation of productivity remains to be seen." - Peter Hall, vice-president and chief economist at Export Development Canada

The turmoil of downsizing that is taking a personal toll on Canada’s public servants is also having an “organizational’ impact on departments as they cope with stress of managing with shrinking budgets, staff and changing jobs.