Economic News/Trends and Analysis — March 9, 2009

Adult learners - Key to a successful economy

    TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - International Adult Learners' Week wrapped up on
March 8 with activities in every province and territory in Canada,
highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and the diversity of adult
learning opportunities across Canada.
    "Research has shown that lifelong learning is critical for people to be
able to take advantage of economic opportunities and have meaningful
participation in society," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Education for
British Columbia, the lead jurisdiction on a pan-Canadian literacy action plan
developed by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). "We need to
celebrate and encourage lifelong learning, which helps adults improve their
health and well-being, diversify their skills to adapt to a changing economy,
and be able to create positive changes within their communities."
    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) officially launched International Adult Learners' Week in 2000 to
promote a culture of lifelong learning as a way to help the citizens of the
world achieve their full potential.
    "As Canada's workforce shrinks, this week is about the importance of
lifelong learning and keeping up your skills," said New Brunswick education
minister and CMEC chair, Kelly Lamrock. "By raising awareness, building
partnerships, and leveraging access to resources and services, my colleagues
and I are working together to provide Canadians of all ages the opportunities
they need to develop their skills to improve their lives."
    Learn Canada 2020 is CMEC's priority declaration, and it highlights adult
learning and skills development as one of the four pillars of lifelong
learning. Learn Canada 2020 identifies the need for a more accessible,
diversified, and integrated system that supports adult learning in Canada.
CMEC will further emphasize the importance of adult learning and literacy at
the upcoming Sixth UNESCO International Conference on Adult Education, which
will take place in Brazil from May 19 to 22, 2009.
    To learn more about adult literacy and learning opportunities, visit
www.literacy.cmec.ca.

    CMEC is an intergovernmental body composed of the ministers responsible
for elementary-secondary and advanced education from the provinces and
territories. Through CMEC, ministers share information and undertake projects
in areas of mutual interest and concern.

For further information: Tamara Davis, Coordinator, Communications,
Cell: (416) 804-6548, Tel.: (416) 962-8100, ext. 241, E-mail: t.davis@cmec.ca,
www.cmec.ca

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