The following summarizes what we learned from the literacy practitioners’ and learners’ visioning conference, our two telephone surveys, and our community consultations.

Responsibility for Funding…

“Employers know what they want and are best at providing it. Government should play a role in assisting us in creating programs. They have the resources.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Work-related training programs should be shared between both government and employers because it is the only way to ensure both the employed and unemployed have access.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

A joint effort is a must. All are working to benefit themselves: Individuals gain money and a better standard of living; employers get workers; and government benefits when individuals contribute to society and the economy.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Employers don’t have the time and resources to pay for the basics – so government should pay. Then, for specific job-related training, the company should pay some of the expense.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Who should pay? It needs to be a cooperative effort – government, employers, and employees working together to ensure people are learning the skills they need to do the job.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

BC Leaders’ Survey

“Whose responsibility is it, ultimately, to increase the literacy of Canadians?”

NOTE: As many respondents gave more than one answer, percentages do not total 100%

The majority of responses placed responsibility with government and/or with society as a whole. Interestingly, labour was slightly more inclined to see the government responsible, and business slightly less inclined.