CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. (GNB) – Atlantic ministers of education and training today discussed improving outcomes in education and skills training, and facilitating a successful transition of high school graduates to post-secondary studies.

These were the major themes emerging from the meeting of the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET), held in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The meeting was attended by representatives from all four Atlantic provinces, including Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Martine Coulombe and Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr.

The ministers recognized that their regional dialogue is helpful for provinces to gain a better understanding and address the major challenges facing their respective public and post-secondary education systems. In particular, the regional forum will play a vital role in discussing skills and competencies required to fulfil opportunities emanating from proposed mega-projects in Atlantic Canada.

The ministers want to position their respective education systems so that they can meet skilled labour needs, contribute to strengthening the region’s economy, and benefit from key opportunities that lie ahead for the region. To assist them, Michael Haan, associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Population and Social Policy at the University of New Brunswick, and Tim O’Neill, founder and president of O’Neill Strategic Economics, made presentations.

Haan provided an overview of demographic trends in the Atlantic region, which confirmed that the region has a low birth rate, an aging population, and a high rate of out-migration. He also offered some perspectives on how these challenges impact the education systems.

O’Neill, a leading Canadian economist, shared his views on the region’s education systems and what will be needed in the future, with a focus on the skills and competencies Atlantic Canada will require to meet local labour market needs and to be competitive with the rest of Canada and the world.

The group noted the recent Council of Atlantic Premiers’ announcement to establish an Atlantic Workforce Partnership to assist in preparing for changing skill requirements and meet the anticipated demand associated with capital projects in mining, electricity, and shipbuilding sectors. This partnership is expected to strengthen the region’s labour force through targeted skills development and the enhancement of apprenticeship opportunities.

CAMET also discussed the transition of students from public to post-secondary education institutions. The group is increasingly concerned that too many public school graduates do not pursue studies beyond high school and/or delay their post-secondary education for an extended period of time. They were presented with statistics and trends, as well as an explanation of barriers that impede or delay students from pursuing post-secondary education studies.

The group directed officials to report back on strategies that can be undertaken provincially or regionally to promote a smooth transition of high school graduates to post-secondary education.
Discussions on future strategic opportunities in education and full participation in post-secondary education is intended to build on past successful collaborations. Through regional co-operation, the council has achieved substantial savings, developed high-quality curricula and resources, and undertaken successful promotion campaigns on adult literacy.

CAMET, an agency of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, exists to enhance co-operation in public (Entry–12) and post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada by working together to improve learning, optimize efficiencies and bring added value to provincial initiatives.


21-09-12