16. To improve the employability of social assistance recipients, we recommend that federal and provincial/territorial governments and labour market partners review social assistance programs to ensure:
    
    

• access to information about services through one-stop information systems,
• access to high-quality employment services regardless of income support received,
• a holistic approach to the provision of training, and
• access to training without losing benefits
  
  
  

Income assistance for students

Student loans, grants, and bursaries constitute a method of supporting individuals while they engage in education to better their skills and knowledge in relation to career choices. We have seen that education is an important determinant of successful transition into employment and rewards in the labour market. Therefore, it is essential that anyone with an interest and aptitude has the opportunity to acquire post-secondary education. Assistance should be designed to provide equal access.

This type of income support should be well integrated with other sources, so that an individual can move from one support scheme to another depending of the situation.

Conclusion

At the federal level, the amalgamation of various departments, each previously dealing separately with the three main income support systems, provides an excellent opportunity to review the whole issue of income support and develop a coherent system and effective support for transition into employment leading to more meaningful jobs.