5.6 Implications for Policy-Making in Voluntary Organizations

Throughout our report, we have made a number of recommendations regarding the implications of our analysis. In this final section of the report, we return to those which we believe are of particular importance.

First, the ideal approach to policy development must be based on a long-term view -- a vision of the future and of the kind of education and training appropriate to that future; and a series of short-term priorities designed not only to improve current conditions, but also to move us closer to that long-term vision. A first step in that process is to reach some organizational consensus concerning the basic elements of the vision and educational approach. A second step is to make both vision and appropriate education matters of public discussion.

Secondly, the 'ideal' public policy direction may not be with us currently, but it is not impossible to achieve either, in the fullness of time. There is a recognition of women's right to equality which is increasing politically, and there is a desire on the part of politicians and bureaucrats to find ways to engage in coordinated action. Women's organizations must strive to take advantage of whatever room for positive movement has been created by this conjunction of events. It is important to emphasize, not only in lobbying, but also in their own internal strategies for action, the idea that education is necessary but not sufficient for change. Progress in education and training must go hand- in-hand with progress in areas such as equal pay for work of equal value, employment equity, and the restructuring of work and family life, if the outcomes are to be effective improvements in the level of equality of women in Canadian society.

The short-term effects of privatization have three immediate implications for the work of organizations like CCLOW. First, there is a new and important role to play in working directly with private sector organizations and employer groups on advocacy. There is not only the potential, but also the necessity to influence private sector policy in much the same way as it is important to influence policy within the public sector. Secondly, there is an increased role for national organizations to play within their regional networks and in working with regionally-based organizations. Provinces are becoming increasingly involved in employment training. The federal government, through federal-provincial agreements and through general cutbacks in funding appears to be moving away from playing a direct role in employment training. Although the federal government will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in the field of adult education and training for the foreseeable future, it is important for organizations to respond earlier rather than later to increased activity at the regional level and within the private sector. The third short-term implication of privatization is that, if we wish to avoid an unhealthy direct competition between non-profit and for-profit sponsors of training, it is important to define special roles for each sector. There is a need to move beyond discussion about whether privatization is good or bad to a position which emphasizes that there is a certain approach to training which can be effectively carried out within the private sector -- primarily short-term and skill-specific, and that there is a different approach -- more long-term and generic in its orientation -- which is best handled by non-profit organizations. Both approaches are essential. Privatization has a final implication, not because of its short- term consequences, but because of its potential long-term effects.

Privatization does nothing to mediate or minimize what we have described as an emerging crisis in the structure of employment in Canada. There is the potential that it will exacerbate the situation, because of its emphasis on meeting the immediate needs of the marketplace. Although conditions may continue to improve for a relatively small group of securely employed highly paid people, current trends create the possibility that increasing numbers of people could be consigned to the margins of Canada's social and economic life. CCLOW and other voluntary organizations have a responsibility to resist this apparent trend. Work done with and on behalf of the least advantage members of Canadian society should be among the highest of continuing approaches.