The Innovations in Workplace Literacy and Learning: 4th Atlantic Region Workplace/Workforce Institute was held at the Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador on October 16, 17 and 18, 2003. The Institute was hosted by the Literacy Branch of the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in partnership with the Governments of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Institute was funded with the support and partnership of the National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources Development Canada as well as with provincial contributions, both in-kind and financial.
The Innovations in Workplace Literacy and Learning: 4th Atlantic Region Workplace/Workforce Institute was held in response to the new Innovation Strategy document released by the Government of Canada as well as from momentum gained from three previous literacy institutes that were held throughout the Atlantic region. The Innovation Strategy signals a renewed commitment to building Canada's competitive edge by building on the human resources and infrastructure required for economic growth.
In the Atlantic Canada region, the role of workplace literacy in economic development has been highlighted through a number of successful Atlantic Region Workplace Education Institutes. The institutes focussed on developing awareness of workplace/workforce education in the Atlantic region and highlighted a number of areas including:
The momentum generated by these institutes resulted in new and exciting workplace literacy initiatives within the region. In the years following these institutes, each Atlantic province undertook new programs within workplace literacy aimed at increasing awareness and the importance of the contribution of a skilled workforce. Within Newfoundland and Labrador, the Literacy Branch of the Department of Education, through an ad hoc Provincial Committee, contributed to the development of a Guide to Supporting Workplace Education document. The Branch also hosted an Action Forum on Workplace Literacy. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick forged partnerships with businesses and municipalities to foster the growth of workplace literacy programs. Prince Edward Island created Workplace PEI to assist employers in the development of on-site literacy programs. Given the diverse programs and initiatives that had taken place within Atlantic Canada, it was felt that a fourth institute could build on the strengths of the previous institutes, while examining workplace literacy through the lens of Canada's new Innovation Strategy.
The 4th Atlantic Region Workplace/Workforce Institute adopted as its theme: Innovations in Workplace Literacy and Learning.