As recommended by the CLMPC task forces, mechanisms must guarantee funding of training programs over several years, although this does not preclude on-going evaluation to ensure their accountability.
Adult programming and continuing education is an ever-increasing activity of certain school boards, colleges, and community-based organizations. This trend clearly shows that there is a need for affordable training to benefit individuals.
People receiving social assistance are often caught between the various levels of government with regard to funding and responsibility for income support, training allowances, and availability of training through "seat purchases." In some provinces, the present system is not guided by clearly stated policies and training objectives and, therefore, results are not measured.
To gain access to a training program, an individual who is receiving social assistance must often attend career orientations and interviews in different locations with a provincial social worker or counsellor, a federal HRD career counsellor, and a counsellor associated with the training provider. This process may be difficult for those with limited transportation and access to child care. People have experienced a reduction in living allowances (e.g., dental, medical) while they are attending training programs as a result of conflicting regulations and policies between levels of government. People with disabilities who receive personal support (e.g., attendant care, interpreters, transportation) are denied access to this support while they are attending training programs.