National Adult Literacy Database

As part of its ongoing skills initiative, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the findings of its Symposium on Skills and Small Business held in November. From the outset of the project, it has been clear Canada must upgrade the skills of its domestic workforce, including the essential skills that are critical for improved training outcomes and productivity growth.

The Talent Group Canada has been relocating talented, skilled workers, such as Class 1 & 3 drivers, Engineers, Welders, Heavy Duty Mechanics, and Framers from Ontario to positions with employers throughout Western Canada with great results for both the employer and new employee. Here are tips for organizations that will assist in making any inter-provincial relocation a success.

This series will feature experts discussing the community impact of family literacy development, the latest research in the field of family literacy, and cultural competency.

Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, addressed Canada’s growing skills and labour shortage in a keynote speech at the Employer of Distinction Awards luncheon. Minister Raitt was speaking on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. She said: "Governments, business, training institutions and other groups must work together to provide Canadians with the information, training and work experience needed for the careers that are in demand."

An innovative new learning and development pilot project has been announced to help Inuit build their skills and experience for potential future positions in the public service. The first group of participants is anticipated to begin their work placements in late May 2013.

Only a decade ago, to suggest mental health was a critical issue for Canadian businesses would have seemed ludicrous. That sentiment seems to be rapidly waning.

Rose Hip Press, "the small press with a big interest in literacy," wonders if your organization or others you know could benefit from its Activity Calendar. The calendar is now even more affordable.

Salary gains will continue to be strong in Alberta and Saskatchewan at about four per cent this year compared with three per cent nationally, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Mid-Year Pulse Check of its annual compensation planning outlook survey.

The Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia will host its Conference 2013 May 2-3, 2013, at Harrison Hot Springs. Practitioners, researchers and others involved in the field of Adult Basic Education are invited to submit proposals for 90-minute presentations reflecting the 2013 Conference theme 'The Education Jigsaw - Fitting Adults into the Puzzle.' The deadline is February 28.

The premier of New Brunswick has highlighted his government's $2.5 million investment in Elementary Literacy Inc., a non-profit foundation, to support its Elementary Literacy Friends/Communauté-littératie-enfants-francophones volunteer tutoring programs. This private-sector-led initiative was created to raise literacy levels among children in elementary schools across the province.

Following two months of gains, employment in Canada decreased slightly in January (-22,000). A decline in the number of people looking for work pushed the unemployment rate down 0.1 percentage points to 7.0%.

Plans are underway for Nova Scotia Adult Learners' Week 2013 April 6-14. Learners and organizations from across the province are coming together at special events including panel discussions, interactive workshops and arts events. They will offer learning opportunities for all and showcase the diversity in the ways adults learn.

J.D. Irving Ltd. is looking for 6,500 new employees over the next couple of years, including more than 2,700 in New Brunswick. The positions will be in various sectors of the company's operations such as shipbuilding, railroad, forest products, the port and retail.

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) takes this opportunity to extend its congratulations and best wishes to individuals in the field of literacy and essential skills who were recently chosen to receive Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined representatives from the North Central Family Centre to announce funding through the SaskSmart Innovations Fund (SSIF). In total, $482,469 has been allocated to seven different community partnerships to provide literacy services.