Transition into employment

Some people believe that the problems of the transition system can be solved by simply increasing government expenditures. This cannot be advocated by the business community in light of the current public deficits. In addition, although increasing resources in certain areas of activity through reallocation is justified, the business community believes that governments are devoting enough public funds to the education and training system. As a recent study prepared for the Alberta Ministry of Education points out; the existing education system does not need more money, but rather a reconfiguration so that it can respond more effectively to the needs of society.

The labour perspective

Transition programs, like UI, labour market information systems, placement services, counselling, education, and training, are intended to facilitate transitions and reduce the waste and pain of unemployment.

In Canada, 16,000 transitions occur daily. Only a very small number of the people making them will move directly from school to work or from one employer to another without the trauma and distress of unemployment. For most Canadians, transition means unemployment and the social and economic insecurity that accompanies it. Workers who are permanently laid off face long-term unemployment. Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and members of visible minorities must overcome enormous barriers to employment.

The importance of full employment

Transition programs and systems, like education and training, labour market information systems, placement services, counselling, unemployment insurance, and pension plans, are based on the belief that government policy is directed toward full employment. Tax policy, government spending priorities, international trade agreements, industrial development strategies, research and development, monetary policy, and the array of other government economic policies are assumed to be focused on creating jobs. Programs like UI and counselling work under the assumption that there are sufficient jobs for everyone who wants to work. In the case of UI, benefits are paid if the claimant actively searches for work.