National Adult Literacy Database

The Canadian Library Association is pleased to announce that October has been designated as Canadian Library Month. The idea for a month dedicated to library and information services in Canada was developed by library partners from across the country to help raise public awareness of the valuable role that libraries play in the lives of Canadians.

The New Brunswick learning event captured on video the five case study presentations delivered during the day. They illustrate real examples of literacy, essential skills and learning strategies that have been put to the test and implemented in New Brunswick workplaces.

New Brunswick lost 1,335 people to other parts of the country, primarily Alberta, between January and July this year. That represents the largest exodus since late 2006 and nearly triple the rate experienced in 2011.

Ontario is making it easier for post-secondary education graduates to get their start in life by extending the grace period for repaying student loans for those who take their first job post-graduation in the not-for-profit sector.

Northwest Territories recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award and the Ministerial Literacy Awards were honoured during the annual Adult Learners’ Luncheon in Yellowknife.

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) announces six groundbreaking projects from around the world as winners of the 2012 WISE Awards under the theme "Transforming Education." Now in their fourth year, the WISE Awards identify, showcase and promote innovative educational projects from all sectors and regions of the world in order to inspire change in education.

A new report from CIBC says older Canadians are more likely to start their own firms because they tend to have the work experience necessary; have made useful contacts during their work lives; and are more likely to have the financial means to do so.

As part of the Top 10 Barriers to Canadian Competitiveness initiative, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its network recently held its largest-ever consultation with membership on a single issue: the skills crisis. Roundtable discussions were held in 14 locations, and the network was mobilized to lead the conversation, asking for their best practices, and polling their opinions via eight online surveys.

This program will streamline the licensing process for internationally trained architects through a national online assessment tool and standard interview process.

"Workers with the knowledge and skills to get the job done are critical to economic development in this province,” says PEI Literacy Alliance Executive Director Catherine O’Bryan. "We want to encourage workers to take training in the essential skills so they can become more efficient, effective and adaptable.”

In the context of reaching more people in your community, see how you can learn more about the needs of local businesses by putting the essential skills into action.

Representatives from groups involved with literacy and essential skills across New Brunswick hope to raise awareness about the need for improved skills training in the workplace. Bill Stirling, CEO of NALD, says: “We are seeing a significant increase in the skills required even for entry level jobs throughout all sectors of the economy. Essential Skills Day provides a focal point for Canadian employers and workers to take stock of the learning culture in their workplace."

Over the past 18 months, the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) has been engaged in a series of research projects exploring the links between literacy and earnings, resulting in the complex Literacy and Earnings Project.

Some of the fastest growing jobs in the coming decade have yet to be identified. In fact, the term “new job” itself is changing. It can refer to a job that did not previously exist, or a job that carries the same name but requires such different skills as to render it changed. In either case, the need for skilled employees to fill these positions is increasing.

Once a company wants to meet you, it means your resumé has been viewed, and the company you applied for, likes what you have presented on paper. So now, it's your time to shine. Chances are if you don't make it past the first interview, then something you said or did within the interview setting was not right.