About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index October 27, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OTTAWA, ONTARIO —The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, addressed the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) today. “I believe we share a common goal: to help all Canadians make the most of their skills and talents so that they can obtain fulfilling employment, and contribute to the nation’s economy and well-being,” said Minister Volpe. “As a former teacher and principal, I know first-hand what a great equalizer education can be. Access to a post-secondary education creates a level playing field for all who seek to fulfill their potential.” The AUCC plays an important role in helping to develop public policy on higher education, and encouraging collaboration among Canada’s universities, governments, communities, the private sector, and international educational institutions. The wide array of universities and colleges that the AUCC represents across Canada enables the organization to see the challenges and opportunities that affect learners and people in the work force on a daily basis. The AUCC’s expertise is crucial when working with the provinces/territories and other key stakeholders to enhance access to a post-secondary education and continuous learning opportunities for all Canadians who want to pursue them. As stated in the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is developing a workplace skills strategy aimed at helping Canadians acquire the skills they need to obtain meaningful and productive work. The Government recognizes that Canada’s future competitiveness depends on a highly skilled work force and on high-performance workplaces that focus on skills development. The Minister highlighted the introduction of Bill C-5, the Canada Education Savings Act, which establishes the Canada Learning Bond and promotes the increased use of Registered Education Savings Plans by providing for an increased Government contribution of Canada Education Savings Grants for low-income Canadians. “Our efforts to make institutions of higher learning accessible to all are improved with these new tools. I look forward to working with our partners to bring more young Canadians into universities and colleges across Canada,” the Minister said. The Government of Canada has also stated its commitment to creating a culture of lifelong learning in Canada and, through enhancements to student financial assistance, to investing in the learning and skills development of its citizens. This is key to securing our competitive place in the world economy and maintaining and improving our quality of life at home. The Government of Canada wants to help foster a modern, innovative and coherent post-secondary education system that has adequate capacity and quality outcomes, and is responsive to learners’ needs and to students’ requirements for flexibility, mobility and recognition of prior learning. It will work with business, unions, other levels of government, workers and associations like the AUCC to ensure that all Canadians have the opportunity to develop their skills and succeed, and that employers’ needs are met. “We look forward to our continued productive partnership with the AUCC in our efforts to build a strong Canada whose citizens have the skills required to thrive and succeed in today’s competitive economy,” added Minister Volpe. The AUCC held the Annual General Meeting today in Ottawa. - 30 -For more information: Stephen Heckbert Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development (819) 994-2482 Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (819) 994-5559
