National Adult Literacy Database

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) was one of several literacy organizations recognized by the New Brunswick Department of Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour on Literacy Day 2012.

Canada’s economy was near full employment before the 2008-09 recession. Although Canada has recovered all the jobs lost during the recession, it will take another four years to bring the unemployment rate back down to about six per cent.

The total budget for the N.B. Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour for 2012-13 is up almost two per cent from the previous fiscal year. New measures targeted at post-secondary education have also been announced.

Having two careers at once is an ambitious proposition and yet not that unusual these days. For some people, a second career may be about creating an additional income stream. For others, it’s about a passion.

The reality is simple: employees blossom when challenged and wither when threatened. There are no data showing that anxious, fearful employees are more creative and productive, but there are data proving that employees in a threatening environment are less engaged, less loyal and for the most part miserable.

Laubach Literacy Ontario is organizing a two-day conference, along with its annual general meeting, at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, from June 8-9, 2012.

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration is seeking proposals for the delivery of Adult Basic Education – Essential Skills for the Workplace programs for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Communication skills in the workplace can be improved through awareness and practice. In fact, even effective communicators can always be improving. This article outlines some steps to follow.

This issue features occupational task profiles, a course review, OLES tools and information about the CLLN online forum for adult educators.

“Volunteers are fundamental to the health of our communities nationwide because they support us and everything we do,” said Ruth MacKenzie, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada. “Recognizing Canada’s 13.3 million volunteers effectively inspires them to stay engaged and involved.”

The overlap between work and private time in Canada is substantial, according to a new report. A total of 46 per cent handle private matters during working hours, 51 per cent handle work-related matters in private time, and 44 per cent receive work-related calls or e-mails when on holiday.

The new Employment Program of BC will provide unemployed British Columbians with the supports and services they need to do just that - get back to work and be self-sufficient.

The current federal skilled worker program's emphasis on academic qualifications traditionally has favoured professionals, meaning tradespeople have made up only a small percentage of those entering Canada. A new, separate stream for tradespeople will place greater emphasis on practical training and work experience rather than formal education.

Structural shifts in the labour market mean “workers in declining industries may not have the skills or experience to match immediately the needs of employers in expanding industries,” Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney said in a speech recently.

Nova Scotians interested in improving their understanding and use of the Gaelic language will be able to further their study thanks to a new bursary program funded by the government of Scotland and administered by Gaelic Affairs.