1. Implement a public policy framework that acknowledges the ‘right to learn’

Federal and provincial governments have the responsibility for designing an adult learning framework that corresponds to the goal of economic and social prosperity. Most provinces have developed or are in the process of developing adult learning policy frameworks. This is a major step in the right direction. However, in all cases, these frameworks fall short of recognizing the‘right to learn’ for less-educated adults.43 In June 2004, Canada signed a recommendation of the International Labour Organization on Human Resources Development with an explicit reference to the right of adults to learn (see Box 8.1). Federal and provincial governments need to work together to build on this momentum and move towards the development of concrete plans.

A ‘right to learn’ framework would need to include the following components:

Box: 8.1 - Recommendation on Education, Training and Lifelong Learning

Members should:

  1. recognize that education and training are a right for all and, in cooperation with the social partners, work towards ensuring access for all to lifelong learning;
  2. recognize the realization of lifelong learning should be based on the explicit commitment: by governments by investing and creating the conditions to enhance education and training at all levels; by enterprises in training their employees; and by individuals in developing their competencies and careers.

International Labour Organization, (Recommendation 195) adopted June 17, 2004.

2. Develop financial support programs appropriate to the needs of adult learners

The contrast between how secondary education is provided to those under 18 compared to how it is provided to those who have not managed to obtain this education by the age of 18 is striking. Although education is a provincial responsibility, the public education system (K-12) follows the same core principles from coast to coast:

43 The notion of ‘right to learn’ has recently emerged on the policy agenda in Québec. On April 10, 2006 the Conseil Supérieur de l’Éducation (Québec) issued a brief to the Québec Ministry of Education. This brief recommends that the Minister for Education, Recreation and Sport and the Minister for Employment and Social Solidarity should proceed with: 1) an in-depth examination of the right to education and training for adults; 2) setting up the conditions to enforce such a right.
44 Such a policy would likely need to include a job tenure threshold. The 1974 Paid Educational Leave Convention of the International Labour Organization has been ratified by 33 countries but not by Canada.