The department has taken a certain number of initiatives specifically with the cultural sector in mind, through the Sector Council Program, among others. We fund various projects, one of which is funded with the Cultural Human Resources Council. This project examines the repercussions of digital technology on the cultural sector. Human Resources Development Canada has invested $440,000 into a study on this topic. The study findings will provide the cultural industry with a better idea of sectors where workers need to improve their skills in order to adapt to leading-edge technology and to prepare for the approaches and jobs of tomorrow. This is clearly one of the areas in which the department is investing in order to support the cultural sector.
Generally speaking, we have a certain number of projects in place for enabling people to develop their own digital skills and to access various media through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, or ASETS. We have established a connection between training and labour market demand. This will help aboriginals contribute to the economy. This program enables people to assess their own digital skills and to sign up for training programs on computer and digital skills.
In addition, a survey was conducted of participants in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, which provides 55- to 64-year-old workers with skill development services and work experience, as well as employment assistance services. According to the survey, 90% of participants stated that having better computer skills would strongly affect their return to the labour market. Consequently, many projects are related to this initiative and seek to provide older Canadian workers with the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge that will in turn help them increase their use of digital skills.
This concludes my overview of some ongoing projects.