Canadian Council on Learning | Conseil Canadien sur l'Apprentissage

Census portrays strengths and complexity of Canada’s post-secondary education

March 4, 2008 Ottawa—The Census education data released today by Statistics Canada confirm that Canada continues to depend on high levels of education. Like other OECD countries, Canada requires high levels of education attainment to position itself in the global economy.

The data also unmask the need for increased attention to trade certifications.  According to Statistics Canada, fewer young adults are studying trades than their parents.   These findings confirm the concerns being expressed about current and projected skills shortages in certain sectors of our economy.

The Census also recognizes that Canada’s education system is evolving. The Canadian Council on Learning commends Statistics Canada, under the leadership of Chief Statistician Dr. Ivan Fellegi, for aligning the education questions in the 2006 Census to reflect the complexity and pathways of post-secondary education in Canada.  As well CCL would like to thank Dr. Fellegi for his commitment to making the national statistical agency reflective of Canadian society and to wish him the best in his retirement.

“The Census will now provide us with the crucial information about details on trade certifications and college-level programs,” said Paul Cappon, President and CEO, Canadian Council on Learning. CCL was extremely pleased that Statistics Canada chose to include the new variable, Location of Study, which will help us to analyse mobility and recognition of skills in Canada.”

CCL’s report, Post-Secondary Education in Canada: Strategies for Success 2007, highlighted the need to fill such data gaps. CCL hopes that this new Census will provide some of the missing information key for assessing and improving the PSE sector.

CCL’s Post-Secondary Education In Canada: Strategies for Success 2007 called for:

• The development of a national framework with the participation of PSE partners across Canada;
• The development and implementation of a national data strategy;
• The development of a series of benchmarks that measure Canadian progress through the efforts of the sector;
• Location of study and information on the highest certificate, diploma or degree completed.
   

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The Canadian Council on Learning is an independent, not-for-profit corporation funded through an agreement with Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Its mandate is to promote and support evidence-based decisions about learning throughout all stages of life, from early childhood through to the senior years.

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