Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program (ALLESP) - Questions and Answers

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. Which programs are streamlined into the ALLESP?

A. The National Literacy Program, the Office of Learning Technologies and the Learning Initiatives Program are streamlined into the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program.

Q. How are National Literacy Program, the Office of Learning Technologies and the Learning Initiatives Program affected by the streamlining?

A. These programs have been combined into the ALLESP and continue integrated operations under that entity.  A new set of terms and conditions are now in place for the ALLES program.  

Q. When has the change taken effect?

A. The Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program is now effective for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2006.

Q. Why are these programs being streamlined?

A. HRSDC is merging and consolidating the three sets of terms and conditions into a single program to better support and promote adult learning, literacy and essential skills.

Consolidating the three programs into one provides better service for learners and better value for money for Canadians.  This will enhance program results, increase the capacity to respond to the needs of key learning and literacy organizations and communities across Canada, and introduce additional efficiency to program administration.

The creation of one common set of terms and conditions ensures that more coherent and effective learning, literacy and essential skills programming is in place for a five-year period starting April 1, 2006.

Q. How does the ALLES program result in increased efficiencies?

A. Administering a single program is more cost-efficient than managing three separate ones. Previously, each program issued separate calls for proposals (CFPs), which required individual approval processes. The ALLES program reduces the number of CFPs from 19 to 3. In the past, programs also underwent separate evaluations, which included audits every five years. More strategic management under the ALLES Program increases cost-effectiveness.

Q. How does the common set of terms and conditions result in more coherent and more effective learning, literacy and essential skills programming?

A. The ALLES program now operates in a more strategic way.  By integrating the programs, adult learning, literacy and essential skills are being managed in a more coordinated fashion.

Q. What will happen after the five-year period when the terms and conditions expire?

A. Programs are required to renew terms and conditions after a five-year period.  Before doing so, a summative evaluation will be conducted.

Q. What has been the focus of the adult learning and literacy programs in the past?

A. These three adult learning and literacy programs have collectively focused on activities such as public awareness, information sharing, developing learning materials and research.

Q. What are the objectives of the ALLESP?

A. The objectives of the ALLESP are:

• to promote lifelong learning by reducing non-financial barriers to adult learning, and 
• to facilitate the creation of opportunities for Canadians to acquire the learning, literacy and essential skills they need to participate in a knowledge-based economy and society.

Q. What are the expected results of the ALLESP?

A. The expected results of the ALLESP are:

• improved dissemination, transfer and application of knowledge and information;
• strengthened capacity of adult learning, literacy and essential skills sectors;
• increased awareness of the benefits of and opportunities for adult learning, literacy and essential skills.

Q. What is the impact on funds?

A. The ALLES program results in more efficient use of financial resources and  promotes more streamlined accountability and reporting.

Q. Does the streamlining affect projects currently being funded?

A. Projects funded under the previous terms and conditions can continue until September 2006, after which the new terms and conditions will apply.

Q. Does the ALLESP provide direct delivery of literacy services?

A. No, delivery of literacy services remains the responsibility and jurisdiction of the provinces and territories.

Q. Do current funding recipients need to reapply for funding?

A. Existing funding agreements will be transitioned to the new terms and conditions after September 2006.  Recipients will not need to reapply. 

As in the past, all project applicants will be required to apply for new funding through a call for proposals process.

Q. Will funding applicants be required to meet new criteria following the transition in September 2006?

A. Some funding applicants may be required to meet new criteria. Applicant guidelines are available at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/ADULTLLESP.shtml

Q. Are the request for funding processes different from what they were prior to the creation of the ALLESP?

A. Funding applications will continue to be invited through calls for proposals (CFPs) and also, to a lesser extent, applications may be received outside CFPs.  The program has reduced the number of CFPs from 19 to 3.

Q. Have partners and stakeholders been informed of the changes to the programs?

A. A number of communications initiatives are being implemented. These include emails to funding recipients and stakeholders, promotion through the departmental website, letters to provincial and territorial counterparts, as well as information products to 1-800 O Canada.

Q. Is the ALLESP cancelling its funding to some of its partners and stakeholders?

A.  Projects funded under the previous terms and conditions will be transitioned to the new terms and conditions after September 30, 2006.  Program officials will advise funding recipients of requirements.

Q. When will funding be available for projects?

A. Calls for proposals are being prepared and should be posted in the near future.  Funding priorities for 06-07 have been identified.  We expect the usual time frame for receipt, proposal review, recommendation and consideration.

Q. How does the streamlining affect federal policy concerning literacy and essential skills?

A. The Government recognizes literacy as the foundation for skills development and lifelong learning, and its importance for Canada’s productivity and for the well-being of Canadians. It also recognizes the importance of adressing literacy and essential skills once its five priorities have been addressed.

Q. Where can I find more information about this subject?

A. Call 1-800 O Canada or 819-953-0300 or visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/ADULTLLESP.shtml