We believe that there are two necessary preconditions for a successful transition system:

• There must be a job available for everyone willing to work. This means that there must be a clear political commitment to a high level of employment in Canada.
• All levels of government -- federal, provincial/territorial, regional, and local -- must work together to develop a coordinated system of policies, programs, funding, institutional linkages, and standards. We believe that this should be the responsibility of ministers responsible for labour market matters and the Council of Ministers of Education.

There are seven critical and interrelated elements to consider in developing a coherent and effective model for transition into employment:

• labour market information,
• income support and other support services,
• education,
• training,
• career and employment counselling,
• prior learning and skills assessment, and
• labour market practices.

All of these elements must be considered as parts of a holistic model and not in isolation from each other.

Labour market information

Labour market information is the life-blood of the transition system -- it should flow in a permanent loop, letting workers know employers' short and long-term needs and providing employers with information about the existing pool of workers. Labour market information gives direction to the education system, assists individuals making career choices, helps determine the nature and extent of training programs, and helps establish effective career and employment counselling.