Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome, ladies.
You say that 42% of Canadians have difficulty reading and writing, and have not received any training. I, for one, was a factory worker. In90, a new technology was developed. CEGEP teachers came to show people who had a Grade 11, or Secondary V, education how to use this new technology. Workers were pulled from the factory for six months, while they worked with teachers. Afterwards, we had to play catch-up and double up our efforts. I live 200 kilometres north of Quebec City. That is less complicated than if I were living 200 kilometres north of what is truly northern Quebec.
I have talked to employers, unemployment offices and the community. As you know, courses were offered in some places to people receiving employment benefits so that they could learn to read and write, and attend the training. I don't know if that is still the case.
Is that still being done in your area? Are companies willing to work with the community and the government to help unemployed people?