These incremental changes are now being incorporated into EIC policy,⁶⁸ largely through modifications of existing program mechanisms. One change concerns Unemployment Insurance recipients, who, under the UI Act, must be ready and able to work; regulations, however, allow people to take certain types of training courses. Upgrading courses, including literacy (called Preparation for Vocational Training, and Basic Skills Training) are now included in this category. This change removes a much lobbied-against irritant to the literacy community. UI recipients will be able to receive benefits throughout a training period that could be up to three years, although EIC expects that the training will be restricted on average to 24 weeks. In order to shift its resources from course purchase to income support (UI benefits or Canadian Jobs Strategy allowances), EIC prefers "fee-payer" arrangements, in which individuals or other government agencies pay course costs. However, there will once again be limited EIC purchases of upgrading seats at the lower levels of Adult Basic Education, perhaps used to balance regional disparities in program availability. Canadian Jobs Strategy projects which combine training with some work experience may include a literacy component. Employers will continue to have access to compensation for literacy training costs, and some wage subsidies for workers requiring literacy training.

Finally, still under consideration is what EIC calls Community Literacy Initiatives, relating to part-time programming offered by community groups, school boards or colleges. No income support is available to people who participate in these programs, but EIC is considering course purchases, in exceptional circumstances; an expansion of its support for youth tutoring; and research into recruitment, program and agency networking, and evaluation.

In considering the possible results of all these initiatives, three matters should be remembered. Specific arrangements are to be worked out at the local level. No expansion in overall funding for upgrading is expected. And all initiatives are subject to evaluation with reference to trainees' job search success, job training performance, or on-the-job effectiveness.