APPENDIX C

It is important to clarify this because in your questionnaire, you request the number of people "referred to training" in each region. This could be interpreted as addressing only Institutional Training, but I have asked the regions to provide you with data on both programs.

Implementation of the National Training Act

It is also important to note that the National Training Act was implemented in the Fall of 1982. This is a short time span to evaluate the impact of training programs, many of which last from one to four years.

Federal-Provincial Labor Market Needs Committees

Finally, I should like to bring to your attention the existence in each region of a Federal-Provincial Labor Market Needs Committee according to Section 12 (1) of the National Training Act. These committees assess the requirements of the labor market for skilled workers and the means necessary to meet such requirements. Their detailed functions are the following:

1. Identify training requirements in relation to existing and projected occupational imbalances considering the need for adaptation of the labor force to new technologies and the needs of special groups of adults;
   
   
2. recommend training priorities and strategies of action and criteria for the selection of trainees;
   
   
3. approve an annual training plan outlining the number, size, type and location of courses required to meet the identified training needs;
   
   
4. assess the results of courses including the use of follow- up information provided by the Commission and by the province where available, and determine courses of action to focus the training on occupations required by the labor market;
   
   
5. report to departments concerned on any issue affecting the assessment of training needs and the effective delivery of training appropriate to those needs;
   
   
6. recommend industrial training initiatives in support of industrial training strategies and priorities with regard to industrial sectors, geographic areas requiring special attention, target groups in the population, and other specific goals as agreed upon by the Committee;
   
   
7. recommend occupations for designation as occupations of national importance;
   
   
8. review the technical aspects of the applications for assistance under the Skills Growth Fund to ensure compliance with established criteria, and to make recommendations accordingly to National Headquarters, CEIC.

As can be seen, provincial authorities play an important part in decisions on the implementation of the National Training Program.

In answer to your specific questions, I can provide the following information.

Position on Paid Skills Development Leave

The report to the Minister of Employment and Immigration by the Skill Development Leave Task Force, entitled Learning a Living in Canada was tabled about two weeks ago. The Minister has appointed a seven-person Committee to study the report and recommend a position on the various aspects of the report. Consultations of the Committee will include a workshop on the report on October 25-27.

Funding and Income Support for Part-Time Education

Under Institutional Training, part-time courses are purchased. But income support is not provided to part-time trainees.

Under Industrial Training, part-time courses are also eligible for funding.

Tuition, Books, Transport, Child Care and Clothes

Trainees referred to Institutional Training courses do not pay tuition. Under the Federal-Provincial Training Agreements (copy enclosed), the cost of books, tools, and training aids may be included in course costs paid by CEIC.

Full-time trainees can also receive allowances for dependant care and for commuting expenses for a distance exceeding 24 kms.

Under the Industrial Training, the employer is reimbursed for books, expendable tools and other instructional aids. Trainees receive wages for which the employer is partly reimbursed by CEIC. In addition, trainees may be reimbursed for part of their travelling and living expenses.