Government of Canada Launches Call for Concepts To Improve Literacy And Essential Skills

^[1]The Government of Canada has launched a national Call for Concepts ^[2] to identify organizations who are interested in forming a pan-Canadian network focused on improving the literacy and essential skills of Canadians. The announcement was made by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour, at the 16^th Annual Skills Manitoba Competition.

“Skills and labour shortages are Canada’s most important socio-economic challenge and the greatest potential threat to our competitiveness,” said Dr. Leitch. “The organizations selected under this call for concepts will help ensure Canadians have the literacy and essential skills needed to participate in Canada’s labour force.”

Through this Call for Concepts, the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills is inviting organizations to submit concept papers for projects that together, will form a pan-Canadian network that is focused on improving skills of Canadians with lower literacy levels.

Dr. Leitch also spoke about new measures in Economic Action Plan 2013 to connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them 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 persons with disabilities, youth, Aboriginal peoples and newcomers.

The Call for Concept papers is open until May 24, 2013.