Media Advisory - Atlantic Round Table of the CCL Not a Casualty of Federal
Funding Cuts

HALIFAX , Jan. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - "The Atlantic Private Sector Round Table of the Canadian Council on Learning will continue despite the end of Federal Government funding of the CCL."

That's according to Allan Shaw , Chair of the Atlantic Round Table, which met in Halifax recently to discuss the future of the CCL in light of the recent funding cut.

Shaw says " Canada and the Atlantic Region cannot afford to give up on the kind of work the CCL has been doing for the last five years." Shaw adds that "on a national basis, the CCL has been reporting to us in Canada and the Atlantic Region on our strengths and weaknesses on all forms of learning. This information is vital if we are to become more competitive."

The President of the CCL, Paul Cappon agrees and applauds the Atlantic group's determination to continue this work, despite the Federal Government's withdrawal of financial support. " Canada has said it wants to create a 'knowledge advantage', but without the efforts of the CCL I fear we will be at a knowledge disadvantage."

Joan McArthur-Blair, Round Table Member and President of the Nova Scotia Community College, says "The Canadian Council on Learning has since its inception, provided to Canadians essential information on education in our country. It has conducted original research, benchmarked Canada against the world and provided balanced and insightful views on critical issues in education."

Another Round Table Member, Mary Morrissey , Executive Director of the PLA Centre, says "CCL brings an international perspective to the increasingly severe demographic, economic and social challenges facing Canada . This helps us see beyond our boundaries and draw important lessons from the many others facing similar challenges."

For further information: Allan Shaw, Chair, Atlantic Round Table, [phone]