Adult Basic Education funding in Nunavut renewed for three more years

Renewed program will continue to improve literacy and help people enter the job market.

IQALUIT, Aug. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Since 2011 the Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP) has provided funding support to Nunavut Arctic College to improve literacy and numeracy skills so working age adults can participate in the labour market. The program's success in improving adult literacy in Nunavut has resulted in a three year extension with the college receiving over $6 million to deliver programming.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

From 2011-2017 1,560 students received adult basic education at Nunavut Arctic College; 99% of those were Inuit. These numbers have steadily grown. After completion of the program, many students pursued their education, went into job training programs, or were able to obtain employment in industries such as mining, construction, and tourism.

Funding from CanNor is used to support the delivery of adult basic education programs in Nunavut, as well as develop a culturally appropriate curriculum, professional development opportunities for education, and implement innovative programs.

Quotes

"The Northern Adult Basic Education Program has helped more than 1,500 Nunavummiut get the support and training they need, which in turn has led to new education and job opportunities. The Government of Canada is proud to work with Nunavut Arctic College to support the continuation of this program."

- Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

"A strong education is more critical than ever in industries such as mining or construction. The ongoing success of this program in helping with literacy, which has led to new educational and employment opportunities, is one to be celebrated. I'm pleased the Government of Canada can continue to support this program and assist Nunavummiut."

- Honourable Amareet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources

"Our focus is to empower Nunavummiut and provide them with the necessary tools and skills to advance in their educational path, in order to create a better future for themselves and for the Territory. On behalf of Nunavut Arctic College, we are pleased the Government of Canada has continued to support post-secondary education in the north. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to build post-secondary education and research capacity in Canada's Arctic." 

- Sheila Kolola, President of Nunavut Arctic College

Quick Facts

• CanNor is providing Nunavut Arctic College with an investment of $6,057,000 over three years for the delivery of the Northern Adult Basic Education Program.  Nunavut Arctic College is contributing an additional $147,600, for a total funding amount of $6,204,600.
• Nunavut Arctic College delivers lifelong learning opportunities while celebrating Inuit language and culture.

Associated Links  

• Improving Access to the Labour Market in Nunavut
• Northern Adult Basic Education Program (NABEP) Evaluation Final Report

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @ISED_CA

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Nilani Logeswaran, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development, Tel: [phone], Cell: 613-668-1794, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]; Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, CanNor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722, [e-mail]; Mariana Barney, Public Affairs Officer, Nunavut Arctic College, 867-979-7242, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.cannor.gc.ca