Lifelong Learning in Canada

The Canadian Council on Learning has devised an interesting tool for rating the state of lifelong learning in Canada. It uses a collection of indicators in four major areas: Learning to Know, Learning to Do, Learning to Live Together, and Learning to Be. Using the indicators in these areas, the Composite Learning Index (CLI) creates a set of ratings about Canadians status as learners. Canada as a whole is rated at 73, and Alberta is at 80.1 out of a possible 100. An interactive map breaks out results by provinces and cities so you can check on the ratings in specific areas of the country.

One of the interesting things to me was that over half of Canadian employers offer structured training at work, with small and mid-sized firms less likely to do so for their staff. That means that lifelong learning for those in smaller organizations has to be more of a conscious effort than for those in larger companies where it is offered as part of the employment mix. Of course, it is always said that larger companies can afford it more, but in reality I believe that they recognize how staff training increases their bottom line by improving productivity and performance. Smaller companies don't always recognize that connection, or get so busy they forget it exists.

Our goal is to support smaller organizations with staff training by continuing to offer reasonable rates, special discount programs such as the Toolbox Buddy rates, and the Inet-Toolbox TechPasses. Later this summer we'll be introducing a PD sponsorship program to help subsidize staff training in small business environments, along with two additional sponsorship programs - one for school staff and one for library staff. At Inet-Toolbox, we're committed to providing a range of opportunities to support lifelong learning. Maybe in our own small way we can help improve the CLI rating!
Cynthia