Federal skills and learning strategy argues for massive investment to ensure future competitiveness

RE$EARCH MONEY Exclusive

The federal government’s unfolding skills and learning agenda is proposing an urgent initial investment of $860 million to begin meeting core policy objectives, according to documents obtained by RE$EARCH MONEY. A key component of the multifaceted strategy would be a one-time post-secondary infrastructure fund to increase capacity in Canada’s post-secondary institutions, which are threatening to fall behind the future requirements of the knowledge-based economy.

The funding would be used to engage and embrace the multiple impacts of what’s described as the revolution in information and communication technologies, globalization, the increased importance of human capital and crucial demographic changes.

The infrastructure fund would be cost-shared and directed toward decaying infrastructure and deferred maintenance costs in post-secondary institutions, as well as the upgrading of learning technologies and networks. Cognizant of provincial jurisdiction over education, however, the fund is intended to bolster research infrastructure development currently supported support through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and complement proposed funding to offset the indirect costs of university and college research.

The skills and learning agenda — as developed by and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) — calls for concerted, collaborative action with other levels of government to implement a national system of early childhood development, to develop national performance indicators, and to develop an action framework to improve the transition graduates from the education system into the work force.

Throughout the document, it is made clear that the recommendations are all within previous statements and stands taken by the Liberal administration. References to Red Book III, the Speech From the Throne and the commitment to double R&D investment by 2010 are used as fodder to bolster the argument for substantial new spending.

The documents also confirm that the HRDC component of the government’s innovation agenda is now positioned as a separate entity and is reportedly further advanced than the parallel Innovation Agenda currently being shaped at Industry Canada.

The process of developing the skills agenda has involved consultations with various stakeholders conducted by HRDC. Those consultations show that there is “broad diagnostic agreement” for taking action to nurture a skilled labour force, but that the debate continues on the most appropriate approach.

While the university community prefers increased support for research and greater international linkages, the business community is pushing for measures to increase the volume of highly qualified personnel. The primary vehicle for the business case is eMPOWR Canada, which is calling for $500 million in new federal funding to increase university research opportunities in key disciplines (R$, December 20/00). Little has been heard from eMPOWR officials of late but a major announcement is reportedly scheduled for some time this fall.

Supporting data for the skills agenda has been drawn primarily from studies and surveys conducted by the likes of the Canadian Association of University Business Professors (CAUBO), the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), and the Conference Board of Canada. The draft document paints a cautiously optimistic picture of education in Canada but warns that the health of the system could be undermined without coordinated action and investment.

While acknowledging provincial jurisdiction in the area of education, it argues that the federal government is positioned to represent both national interests and a national vision. The draft document also makes clear that its contents are not cast in stone.The agenda is being positioned as a basis for discussion and action.

But it’s also evident that the federal government intends to move to ensure the levels of excellence required to support innovation are achieved. It notes that the ‘double the pipeline” initiatives of some provinces have done little to close the gap with other nations, adding that enrolment in science and engineering programs is stagnating. In addition, Canada has a relatively low number of researchers and engineers in the work force and universities are often not focusing on the sectors required by the private sector.

“There are apparent mismatches in a number of key sectors between the demands of industry and the skills of graduates,” the document states. “At present, there is insufficient capacity in the research base of the granting councils to fund the needed next wave of researchers. If we do not provide the opportunity for these key people to grow and develop promising careers, they will be tempted to seek better opportunities elsewhere.”

The skills agenda also strongly supports the use of new technologies in the education system as a way to lower the cost of delivering training and to become more inclusive through e-learning and distance education. With the pending end of funding for the TeleLearning Networks of Centres of Excellence, that leaves CANARIE Inc as the primary vehicle for future initiatives.

It also acknowledges the growing importance of immigration and urges measures which would improve the selection of skilled newcomers through a redesigned immigration program and streamlined recruitment strategy.

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