Canadian society, in general, is biased toward university education and perceives other forms of education and training as less desirable. Efforts are being made to challenge this perception with cooperative education, speakers from business and labour, and work site visits, for example.

Guidance and career counsellors are expected to have all the necessary information about all possible occupations (over 20,000 in Canada). This is not possible.

Distance from information sources, problems with the format of information available, and lack of opportunity to seek information are frequently cited, particularly by members of the equity groups, as barriers to obtaining information. All labour market partners need to work in conjunction to coordinate and inform. Efforts to centralize information are being made and should be further supported.

Information to the individual should include various sources of income for education or training, encouragement to return to learning, and support mechanisms to help develop meaningful employment.

Education and training organizations are often vying for funds, particularly in times of recession, thus making competitors out of potential partners. Often waiting lists for programs are extensive, thus limiting the number of people who can make use of them. Funding for pilot programs and programs funded annually limit planning efforts. A longer view should be taken regarding such programs.

UI beneficiaries are given priority in community training programs, further limiting the number of positions available to those who have been out of work for a long period.