OTTAWA, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Essential Skills Day brings attention to the importance of essential skills training to strengthening Canada's workforce.
"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity", said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Employment and Social Development and Minister of Multiculturalism. "Employers, community organizations, and governments all have a role in ensuring that Canadians have the skills needed to successfully secure jobs and succeed in the workplace."
Launched by ABC Life Literacy, the fourth annual Essential Skills Day raises awareness about the importance of workplace literacy and essential skills training. The Government of Canada has recognized nine essential skills as foundational for learning further skills.
"ABC Life Literacy Canada and countless other organizations carry on important work in improving literacy and essential skills training across Canada," said Minister Kenney. "Our Government is committed to increasing labour market participation and ensuring that skills training leads Canadians to good jobs and brighter futures."
The Government of Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, launched in 2007, works with provincial and territorial governments, employers and community organizations to provide Canadians with the tools and resources they need to take advantage of available job opportunities, contribute to their communities, and be a part of Canada's long-term growth and prosperity.
Skills training is part of the Government of Canada's broader strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. New measures in Economic Action Plan 2013 better equip Canadians with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as Canadians with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
backgrounder
The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills
In 2007, the Government of Canada created the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) to provide adult Canadians with the knowledge and skills they need to enter and succeed in the job market.
Through OLES, the Government works in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, employers and community organizations to provide Canadians with the tools and resources they need to take advantage of job opportunities, contribute to their communities and share in the country's prosperity. OLES provides funding through the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program.
The Government of Canada has identified nine essential skills that we all use in every job. These include reading text, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, thinking skills, digital skills and continuous learning. They are the foundation for learning all other skills and let us grow with our jobs and handle changes at work.
For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Alexandra Fortier
Office of Minister
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
Share this article