Canadian Council on Learning

The Canadian Council on Learning has released their final report prior to closing this spring.  As a literacy practioner, I am greatly disappointed that the CCL has not received ongoing funding and support.
Through the research conducted by the CCL, we have had access to innovative, community-based research; self- assessments; and holistic learning models relating to Aboriginal learning.
We utilized the First Nations Holistic Learning Model to create the framework for our current Aboriginal Literacy and Essential Skills project because it acknowledges the authentic learning needs of First Nations learners.  
The closure of the Canadian Council on Learning will create a significant gap at a time when the literacy and educational needs of Canadians are increasing and becoming more complex.
Canada cannot afford to be complacent regarding literacy and education.  The Conference Board of Canada reports that:

• Canada ranks 8^th out of 14 countries on the percentage of adults scoring low on adult literacy rate tests.
• Four out of ten Canadian adults have literacy skills too low to be fully competent in most jobs in our modern economy.
• Canadian adults with low literacy skills have fewer opportunities than young Canadians to upgrade their skills because they are outside the mainstream education system.

 I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Canadian Council on Learning for their hard work, expertise and dedication in supporting the lifelong learning of all Canadians.