The question of economic development in minority communities is very complex. It is important to realize that economic development also means social and community development. In addition, strong economic development in language communities increases their appeal: people are drawn to jobs in stronger communities.
RESDAC promotes literacy and basic training. We know that several million Canadians are weak in literacy and basic skills and that they have a hard time finding jobs, among other things.
RESDAC is trying to accomplish something. The provinces and territories are working with us. So we are a group of territorial and provincial partners. We are working on designing innovative models that develop relationships in official language minority communities. We conduct research and provide information.
Interestingly enough, we are now working with provincial coalitions in four provinces, where we are setting up what we call the integrated model. This model makes it possible to train people with low literacy skills not only in technical matters, but also in terms of essential skills, such as reading, counting or working with computers.
Usually, those programs last about 14 weeks and then we can quickly help those people find work. Not only do we help them find jobs, but we also strengthen our small language communities.
To have access to training and education, you often have to go to big cities. However, in the small communities where we operate, we are able to help those people find jobs.
We noticed another interesting thing. When we train people in small communities in resource regions and then we help them find jobs with companies that have trouble recruiting employees, the outcome is beneficial for the companies, the communities and the employees alike, not to mention that the employees regain their pride.
RESDAC's role is to work with provincial and territorial coalitions and to help those people find jobs, in addition to providing local companies with skilled workers.