Access to programs by the equity groups has become restricted recently, with fewer programs supported by the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Lack of income support prevents many members of these groups from participating in the training that is available. Parents require child care to give them equal access to training. Lack of language and literacy skills exclude many from participating in transition training unless they have access to training to overcome these barriers. Social and communication skills are often lacking among those with a checkered work history or no work history; their needs should be met with additional training in these areas.

38. We urgently recommend that federal and provincial/territorial governments work together to coordinate training initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of the barriers to training, we propose measures to alleviate them, as an essential contribution to bringing coherence to the transition system. Such measures can be grouped under four categories:

• Eligibility: as eligibility requirements have become a major barrier, they should be reviewed to eliminate unnecessary impediments to relevant training.
  
  
• Access: because career counsellors play a major role in informing individuals of training opportunities, a high priority should be given to providing the services of a well-trained, well-informed counsellor with the skill to make appropriate assessments and referrals to all those in need of training. Equity guidelines should be implemented in all training programs.
  
  
• Scheduling: training programs should be offered on a regular, on-going basis. Training providers should find ways to offer their services with more flexibility regarding start dates, time, location, part-time options, and distance education options. Most training institutions begin courses on specific dates during the year. People may waste time and taxpayers' money waiting for the starting date, and even become ineligible if, for example, their entitlement to benefits runs out.
  
  
• Modes of delivery: training must be provided in many ways to meet the diverse needs of the community, the complexity of human experience, and equity concerns. Because, in Canada, geography may be a serious barrier to access to training, distance education should be widely used. Canada is a world leader in developing and implementing distance education.
  
  

Local boards will have a great deal of influence over training issues and in setting priorities with respect to spending training funds to meet local needs. The participation of equity groups on the local boards is essential for improving access to training.