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The Government of Canada recently decided to end its funding agreement with the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), effective March 31, 2010.
CCL is currently pursuing alternate funding arrangements that will allow us to continue to provide Canadians with the reliable, evidence-based research on all aspects of lifelong learning that we have come to be known for over the past six years.
Since the news was made public, Canadians from all walks of life have contacted us to express their sympathy and support for CCL’s past work and future existence.
Below is a selection of some of these expressions of support. (These statements are posted in the language of origin only.)
"Without the research of groups such as the Canadian Council on Learning, Canada will continue to lack the knowledge needed to improve access, persistence and quality in our post-secondary institutions."
Arati Sharma National Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (“Loss of Canadian Council on Learning federal funding will be detrimental to post-secondary research” - Jan 8, 2010)
“Education is a provincial responsibility in Canada. But we need someone to keep track of the field nationally, so that evidence about successful models can be shared and overlooked problems can be brought to light. As it is, if one province adopts a different approach to education there will be no way to gauge whether it is the better way and others should follow.
“In this respect, the learning council's work was of value to Canadians, particularly at a time when our economic future depends more than ever on our ability to compete with other knowledge-based economies around the world. To compete - and win - we need to produce the best educated and trained workers. But without the council's work, it will be more difficult for us to know how we stack up as a nation.”
The Toronto Star, editorial Jan 12, 2010
“The immigrant sector in Calgary uses the Canadian Council on Learning’s evidence-based research to build business cases to expand, change and develop new services, facilitate institutional change, and develop policy changes that support children and youth of immigrant families.”
Susan Mercer-Thornhill CARE Strategy for Children and Youth Manager Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary
“This is a terrible, short-sighted action on the part of the Conservative government and I am so sorry to hear about it. I will be writing to my Member of Parliament to encourage her to raise the question and take action. I wish you success with your efforts and appreciate all of the important work done by CCL.
“Learning and literacy are critical, more so then ever before, for Canadians to address seriously. The loss of funding to an organization like CCL that produces quality research and information, is shocking and short-sighted.” Cary A Brown, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine University of Alberta
“I am very disappointed to hear that the Government of Canada has decided to end its funding of the Canadian Council on Learning. Over the years, the Eastern School District of P.E.I. has directly benefitted from the work of the CCL, especially as it relates to the acquisition of current information about effective approaches to teaching and learning. Even as I write this note, we are drawing from Dr. Paul Cappon's insights as we draft our new policy on homework.
“Should you require a testimonial of support for the work of the CCL, please feel free to contact me at any time.”
Walter Wilkins, Director of Curriculum Delivery Eastern School District Charlottetown, PEI
“The Canadian Council on Learning provides an extremely valuable resource for all those interested in education. Removing its funding will do damage to the daily efforts of the tens of thousands of Canadians who rely on their support and expertise. Is there anything we can do to show our support?”
Dr. Alex MacDonald Superintendent of Education Eastern School District Charlottetown, PEI
“A most unfortunate loss! CCL’s identification of the extent of the literacy deficit in Canada has been very important.”
Rob Barber CEO Carlton Trail Regional College Humboldt, Saskatchewan
“We at Cathexis Consulting Inc. were very disappointed to hear that the Canadian federal government will not be funding CCL in the future. Over the years, we have read your publications and have always found your research to be high-quality, informative and, above all, important. We greatly value the leadership you have provided in the learning field.
You have our best wishes and support during the difficult time ahead.”
Rochelle Zorzi Vice President Cathexis Consulting Inc. Toronto, Ontario
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