Keynote Address
Honourable Diane McGifford

Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Training; Minister responsible for Training; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for Seniors. Minister McGifford has worked with and advocated for people from a wide range of communities and on a number of issues, mostly those related to women, education, health care, safety, social services and the arts.

Introduction to PLAR and Portfolio Development

Presenters: Sandra Aarts, Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment; Roberta Burke, Mohawk College

Designed for conference participants who wish to learn the basic principles and practices of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) and portfolio development, this workshop will cover:

• the philosophical framework of PLAR
• key terms and concepts
• assessment tools and models
• academic and administrative principles of PLAR
• approaches and applications for portfolio development and portfolio assessment
• principles of best practice and an introduction to emerging benchmarks for PLAR practitioners.

WPLAR Committee: Supporting the Use of PLAR in Manitoba's Workplace

Presenters: Graham Dowdell, UFCW Training Centre; Wendell Wiebe, Bristol Aerospace; Jonas Sammons, Mascam International Ltd.; Laurel Garvie, Consultant to the College of Midwives of Manitoba PLEA Project; Rosalie Olsen, Consultant to Manitoba Hydro Human Resource Advisor PLAR Project; Helga Berger, Manitoba Education and Youth Educational Assistant PLAR Project; Sandi Howell, Manitoba Advanced Education & Training

The Workplace Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (WPLAR) Committee is a partnership of business, labour and government which oversees workplace PLAR activities in Manitoba. This presentation will highlight some current areas of dialogue in industry related to PLAR and will showcase three major projects.

Linking Learning to Professional Practice Through PLAR: The BC Pharmacists' Story

Presenters: Susan Simosko, Susan Simosko Associates Inc.; Doreen Leong, College of Pharmacists of British Columbia

Through the use of PLAR principles, the College of Pharmacists of BC has created a user-friendly system for Quality Assurance. Pharmacists take an active role in their own development and assessment. This workshop will give you a chance to explore a range of lessons learned from this innovative and successful program.

Building Capacity for Recognition of Prior Learning

Presenters: Malcolm Day, University of Sheffield, England

A case study of PLAR capacity building in 2 institutions; one in Canada, and one in South Africa. The workshop will explore the organizational factors that may enhance or inhibit the implementation of a PLAR strategy, and discuss the implications these have for curriculum and policy development.

World Education Services (WES) & United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (SUCCESS) Outreach Approaches to Employers

Presenters: Timothy Owen, World Education Services; Nancy Millward, World Education Services; Lilian To, United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society

This workshop examines approaches used to develop relationships with employers, to assist them in attracting and retaining immigrants. WES has been working with employers for two years, facilitating their understanding of international credentials. Early in 2003, SUCCESS launched an employer outreach program, working with the BC Chamber and various industry sectors.

Building Community Learning Capacity; Utilizing Community Learning Assets

Presenters: Douglas Myers, PLA Centre - Halifax; David White, Nova Scotia Community College; Richard Williams, Praxis Research and Consulting

Nova Scotia's experience suggests that RPL has significant implications for community – as well as individual – development terms. We already have Canada's first declared Portfolio College (the Nova Scotia Community College). Can we also think in terms of a 'Portfolio Community', a 'Portfolio Neighbourhood', a 'Portfolio Corporation'....? What would they look like? How would we get there? What benefits might result?

What Do You Already Know? Recognition of Prior Learning in Nursing Education

Presenters: Candace Skrapek, Nursing Division, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology; Norma Wildeman, Nursing Division, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology; Mary MacDonald, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan

The Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) is undertaking a research project funded by the Saskatchewan Government, Department of Learning, to determine if there is a need to provide opportunities for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to facilitate student progress through the program. This presentation will provide an overview of this collaborative research project that may provide much needed direction for nursing education programs across Canada.

A Joint Framework of Reference for Evaluating the French Language Skills of Newcomers and Non-Francophones

Presenter: Paul Cyr, Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration, Gouvernement du Québec

One action of the Quebec Government Policy on Adult Education and Continuing Education and Training consists in adopting a joint framework of reference for the assessment of prior learning and skills in French as a second language for the purpose of pursuing studies or exercising a profession. The presentation will deal with the implementation of this joint framework.

"Scope Creep": Diary of an Inter-University and Inter-Provincial PLAR Initiative

Presenters: Dr. Howard Davidson, University of Manitoba Continuing Education; Sherry Sullivan, University of Manitoba Continuing Education; Sandy Stechisen, University of Manitoba Continuing Education

This session examines the PLAR Project in the Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) program at the University of Manitoba which became the impetus for consortium-wide, inter-university and inter-provincial collaborative PLAR and program and course outcomes, increased stakeholder input, development of Workplace PLAR courses and outcome-based strategic planning.

The Actions of the Ministère des Relations avec les Citoyens et de l'Immigration du Québec to Facilitate Immigrant Access to the Professional Regulations by the Professional Orders

Presenter: Christiane Syms, Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration, Gouvernement du Quebec

To facilitate immigrant access to the professions controls the Ministère des Relations avec les Citoyens et de l'Immigration du Quebec undertook certain actions in close cooperation with the professional orders. This presentation will overview how the ministry and organizations are looking to better:

• Inform the immigrants
• Recognize the training and experience
• Ensure their access to the auxiliary training

University Collaborates to Better Serve the Needs of the Community Through PLAR

Presenters: Debra Mayer, University of Winnipeg; Barbara Read, University of Winnipeg; Erin Stewart, University of Winnipeg

UWinnipeg introduces a new program, the Advanced Diploma in Leadership in Early Childhood Care and Education. This session offers insight into the process of working collaboratively within university departments, the structure and content of the program, and a case study that demonstrates how this program assists adult learners in achieving their educational goals expeditiously and cost-effectively.

Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science & Technology PLAR Inventory Database

Presenters: Shirley Amichand, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Wascana Campus

The PLAR Inventory Database is a unique computer generated database that provides SIAST faculty, counsellors and staff with accurate up-to-date information. It's an excellent counselling tool for faculty and counsellors when advising potential candidates on courses that are PLAR-ready within a program, the assessment fees and the method of challenge.

La Validation et l'Evaluation des Acquis Experientiels: Une Approche Centree sur le Processus d'Apprentissage

Presenter: Norman Poulin, Université de Sherbrooke

How to proceed to verify if so-called experiential learning, which is the subject of an assessment application, is the result of the acquisition of new skills, skills not assessed, work or life experience, or is simply a remarkable integration of skills already acquired and recognized? This presentation provides a set of tools to carry out this validation: a short information-gathering questionnaire on the process of acquisition, an interpretation and weighting model for the answers obtained, a sheet for compiling and integrating this information and finally, a decision model relating to the validity of the experiential learning submitted for evaluation. In conclusion, the author presents a model integrating an approach that is focused both on the learning process and on the prior learning, once these have been validated.

Luncheon Keynote Address

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters; Kenneth V. Georgetti, C.M., O.B.C. President, Canadian Labour Congress

Recognizing Learning and Bridging Programs for Immigrants
Lesleyanne Hawthorne	Assistant Dean and Director of the International Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
Shamira Madhany	Manager, Access to Professions & Trades Unit, Ministry of Colleges, Training, & Universities of Ontario
Chloe Dyson	Melbourne University, Australia
Clifford Bell	Immigrant Service Society of British Columbia, President of ASPECT
Donna Kirby	Human Resources Development Canada
André Gariepy	Director General, Quebec Inter-Professional Council

Lesleyanne Hawthorne, Shamira Madhany, Chloe Dyson, Clifford Bell, André Gariepy and Donna Kirby will discuss innovations and implications for effective integration of immigrants into the work force.

Recognizing Aboriginal Learning
Gray Poehnell	Guiding Circles
Janice Brant	Educational Consultant, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON
Helen Settee	Aboriginal Education Directorate
Diane Hill	Coordinator – Human Services, First Nations Technical Institute
Dr. Laara Fitznor	U of Manitoba, Faculty of Education

Aboriginal leaders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will discuss how the recognition and assessment of prior learning has become an important part of a number of initiatives in the areas of human resources and capacity building, literacy, healing and post-secondary education. This super session will provide information on Aboriginal knowledge and culturally relevant practices. Participants will also be given the opportunity to share and dialogue on the potential use of PLAR from an Aboriginal perspective.

Janice Brant will show how Portfolio-Assisted Prior Learning Assessment is a strategy being used in the Aboriginal adult literacy community to promote self-awareness and personal empowerment through the documentation of formal and informal learning, the result being increased literacy and skill enhancement. Diane Hill will share her experiences on South Africa's interest in PLAR and their Strategies for Aboriginal/Indigenous Peoples. In particular, she will explain the nature of FNTI's involvement in various South African RPL initiatives. Gray Poehnell will introduce Guiding Circles: An Aboriginal guide to finding career paths which is an aboriginal career development tool and more. It also represents a vision for Aboriginal career counselling, a vision to make career counselling accessible to people of Aboriginal descent, a vision to develop innovative and effective approaches to career/life planning that would respect Aboriginal worldview and values, and a vision for the continued development of trained career practitioners who have the tools, skills, and experience to work effectively with Aboriginals. Helen Settee and Laara Fitznor will describe PLAR innovations in Manitoba.

New Initiatives in Canada
Lenore Burton	Director General, Learning & Literacy Directorate, Human Resources Development Canada
Lynne Bezanson	Executive Director, Canadian Career Development Foundation
Mary L. Grant, Ph.D	Senior Research Officer, Strategic Research and Statistics, Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Irene Klassen	CORCAN
Kelly Sinclair	Director, Training Centre, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 247

This session will acquaint participants with new programs and initiatives that have pan-Canadian implications and will provide an opportunity to discuss possibilities for such activities in other parts of the country. Lenore Burton will provide information on what's new at Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC), including: PLAR initiatives within the Workplace Skills Strategy; foreign credential recognition; access to post-secondary education; adult learning; and other new HRDC initiatives; Corinne Hagerman will provide an update on PLAR and the Portfolio Pilot at Correctional Services Canada; Mary Grant will present the recently released Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC) which provides a wealth of information on the early settlement experiences of newcomers to Canada. This presentation will contain specific information on the assessment of newcomers' level of education, field of study, participation in education/training activities, difficulties encountered accessing education/training, and recognition of qualifications; Kelly Sinclair's presentation details a Transferable Skills project, how employer's expectations can be met and how TSP Technology works. Kelly will also look at developing skill charts and how they apply to trades, industry standards and major skill areas. Lynne Bezanson will discuss using PLAR with Standards and Guidelines for Career Practitioners, an update on the OECD's Thematic Review of Information, Guidance and Counseling Services and the National Symposium on Career Development, Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development. A representative from Saskatchewan will talk about the Older Worker Program and how the recognition of prior learning became the platform upon which farm workers' future plans were based.

Feedback from Learners: A Second Cross Canada Study of PLAR
Deborah Blower	PLA Facilitator, Red River College
Eleanor Conlin	Chair, Academic Research and PLAR Consultant, Conestoga College
Roberta Burke	Mohawk College
Sandra Aarts	SK Aarts & Associates
Ginette Lamarre	coordonnatrice, Programme d'études collégiales des Forces canadiennes (PECFC) Collège Ahuntsic
Paul Brennan	Association of Canada Community Colleges
Joy VanKleef	PLAR Consultant

This session will present an overview of the results of the largest Canadian survey ever conducted of PLAR learners and military personnel at seven community colleges across Canada. In a panel presentation and round table discussion with the authors of this just-released report as well as a companion report, A Slice of the Iceberg: Cross Canada Study of PLAR (1999) participants will be the first to hear what 1,400 learners have to say about the value of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, and their experiences with the PLAR process. The presenters will also share the results of the longitudinal data analysis of 7,200 learners who completed over 14,000 PLAR assessments over an eight-year period. Discussion on the study's implications for practice and steps to ensure strong leadership and concrete action will include perspectives from the Association of Canadian Community College (ACCC) representatives.

Thirty Years of PLAR: What Have We Learned?

Presenter: Susan Simosko, Susan Simosko Associates Inc.

PLAR emerged during the turbulent 1970s. Since then governments, institutions and individuals have invested millions of dollars to create PLAR opportunities. Through a series of personal stories drawn from the past 30 years, this session will offer participants a unique opportunity to learn from the past and explore new directions for their current work.

Skills Passport – PLAR-Based Competencies as a Tool for Workforce Renewal

Presenters: Louise Nichol, OARS Training Inc.; Tannis Magnusson, New Flyer Industries; Mike Deley, CAW Local 3003; Sandi Howell, Manitoba Workplace Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Committee; Adrian Van de Graaf, New Flyer Industries

This session will discuss the application of PLAR in developing a competency-based Skills Passport for productions workers at a major bus manufacturing company. The panel, featuring New Flyer Industries, CAW local 3003 and OARS Training Inc., will share lessons learned and plans for using this tool in workforce revitalization.

Portfolio Development and Literacy Learning: A Three Year Collaborative Development Initiative

Presenter: Joan Hicks, PLA Centre – Halifax; Marilyn Horsman, Bedford Sackville Literacy Network

This workshop will present a three-year collaborative initiative to apply the learning portfolio process with community networks, tutors and level-2 literacy learners, with sample materials and literacy learner, facilitator and tutor responses and commentaries. Participants will be invited to consider the implications for broader applications in the field of literacy learning.

Pathways for the Recognition of Prior Learning in Saskatchewan: Collaboration is the Key to Building Capacity

Presenters: Shelley Hosaluk, Marion Graham Collegiate; Bebe Ivanochko, Northlands College; Conrad Pura, Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board and Abu Bockarie, Saskatchewan Forum of Racialized Canadians.

Since the fall of 2000, Saskatchewan Learning and the Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board have actively co-led the building of capacity for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The workshop will provide an overview of Saskatchewan's comprehensive implementation strategy to build a coordinated province-wide RPL system by collaborating with community partners. Key findings, good practices and lessons learned will be shared by highlighting RPL initiatives that have been undertaken in alignment with the Provincial Framework's Action Plan.

Integrating Internationally Trained Workers into the Labour Market: A Community Based Strategy for the City of Ottawa

Presenters: Arlene Wortsman, Canadian Labour and Business Centre; Francois Lamontagne, Canadian Labour and Business Centre; Mengistsab Tsegay, World Skills

The workshop will focus on the results of this innovative approach to develop a community-based strategy for integrating foreign trained workers into the Ottawa labour market.

Building on our Strengths: Finding Paths Throughout the Foreign Credentials Recognition Maze

Presenter: Erich Keser, Saskatoon Open Door Society

This workshop represents a critical overview of foreign credentials recognition mechanisms, based on extensive front-line experience that will outline the diversity of the processes available and their many inconsistencies, with examples from particular professions. Methods of dealing with this situation by using the most effective of these mechanisms and through individual counselling and advocacy will be explored. The session will end with some recommendations.

Canada's Campus Connection and Campus Canada: Bringing Credit Recognition and E-Learning Opportunities to the Workplace

Presenters: Susanne Carlin, University College of Cape Breton; Curtis Clarke, Athabasca University; Michael Nadler, Industry Canada; Joanne Pyke, Campus Canada

The session will highlight a recent innovation in workplace learning; identify the benefits of collaborations among government, institutions, and business; and consider ways to use the Internet to improve access to post-secondary education for learners in the workplace.

Implementing a University Distance Portfolio Course: Challenges and Progress

Presenters: Geoff Peruniak, Athabasca University; Christine Wihak, Athabasca University

This session spotlights the experience of Athabasca University, a distance learning institution, in implementing a Portfolio Development course designed to complement the university.

Recognizing Competencies in Prior Learning

Presenters: Marilyn Anaka, Eastern Townships School Board; Danielle Thibeault, Quebec Ministry of Education

“Great, I'm learning stuff about myself and able to share it with others.” That was one adult's comments about the Quebec Ministry of Education's Prior Learning evaluation tool 4 Spheres of Generic Competencies being experimented with in over 25 French and English Adult Education Centres. Come discover the 4 Spheres!

PLA as Cultural Brokering: Bridging the Gap Between Aboriginal and Western Learning and Assessment

Presenters: Dr. Fyre-Jean Graveline, Brandon University; Sherry Sullivan, Critical Concepts

The First Nations and Aboriginal Counseling (FNAC) Degree program at Brandon University is an excellent model of good practice in PLAR and how it can be utilized within an Aboriginal Education framework. This participative session will share our struggles and successes of developing a process that honors Aboriginal Education within a University setting.

Essential Skills and Prior Learning Assessment: Strengthening the Foundation of Apprenticeship on PEI

Presenter: Gaelyne MacAulay, Workplace Education PEI

The shortage of tradespersons on PEI, as experienced in other parts of Canada, is further compounded by skilled Islanders being lured away by the enticing call of the “bigger buck.” Workplace Education PEI and the PEI Provincial Apprenticeship Board are working to design a process and program utilizing Essential Skills and PLAR to help address this issue.

Peer Professional Recognition of International Experience Through Mentoring

Presenters: Benilda Silkowska-Masior, St. Michael's Hospital; Gail Yardy, St.Michael's Hospital

The Hospital Mentors for Foreign Trained Professionals Project presentation provides a comprehensive, cost effective and transferable mentoring model, with tools and best practice guidelines for the implementation of this innovative model of excellence. Each participant will receive a complimentary mentoring toolkit (manual, training materials, video) for adaptation in their organization.

An On-line Community of Practice (OCoP) Dedicated to PLAR: What's In It For You

Presenter: Sandra Aarts, SK Aarts & Associates

Attendees at this workshop will learn about CAPLA's leadership role in the development of an on-line community of practice dedicated to PLAR and explore potential benefits to themselves and their constituents. Through discussion of current projects and partnerships participants will explore ways in which they might participate in and contribute to the project.

Achieving a PLAR Strategic Plan – It's A Challenge

Presenters: Deborah Blower, Red River College; Lauren Waples, Red River College

Having a PLAR Strategic Plan helps to guide the development, implementation and integration of quality PLAR practices within an organization. The presenters will share Red River College's PLAR Strategic Plan (1999-2004)- the components, outcomes, accomplishments (including the challenges!!) and future development. Participants will discuss and identify actions and strategies for strategic plans in their organizations

Foreign Qualifications Recognition and the Regulated Professions: Forging a New Alliance in Quebec

Presenter: André Gariépy, Québec Interprofessional Council

This session will present the experience of the 45 professional regulatory bodies of Québec in dealing with foreign qualifications recognition. It will present:

• an overview of the issues related to foreign qualifications recognition in Québec
• the approach as well as the various tools and processes provided in the Québec professional legislation with regards to foreign qualifications recognition
• the elements of the new Action Plan of the regulatory bodies to facilitate foreign qualifications recognition
• the new cooperation framework between professional regulatory bodies,
• the immigrant support groups and the Québec Immigration Ministry.

Learner-Centred Networks Overcome Barriers and Boundaries. Improved Interfacing Between Key Agencies and Institutions Helps to Meet the Needs of Learners and the Key Stakeholders Within the Field of Early Childhood Education. (An Ontario Model)

Presenter: Sue Martin, Centennial College

Professional bodies and educational institutions must appreciate the learner's perspective! Also, professional standards must be maintained. The field of child studies is overcoming the barriers to offering effective non-traditional learning assessments. Come offer your ideas! Consider the challenges and how they can be overcome.

Portfolio Learning: From a Three-Ringed Binder to Liberating Education

Presenters: David White, Nova Scotia Community College; Maria Desjardins, Nova Scotia Community College

How do we convince students, faculty and staff of the value of a liberating education? Can we really change what we do and how we do it? The impact of portfolio learning on faculty and staff workloads. Does PLAR really work? What are the challenges? Accessibility and academic integrity – are they mutually exclusive? Reflective analysis does not come easy –how do we encourage faculty and students? How do we convince employers of the efficacy of portfolio learning? How does the amalgamation of Student Services and Academic Programming support portfolio learning? How do we know portfolio learning works?

A Systematic Approach to Internet-Based Prior Learning Assessment

Presenter: Geoffrey V. Burston, Justice Institute of British Columbia

The presentation will demonstrate the Justice Institute of BC's use of a web-based instrument for PLAR. This on-line instrument employs a mathematically modeled approach to maximize effectiveness and efficiency, while maintaining objectivity and consistency.

Integrated Bridging Programs for Immigrant Professionals

Presenters: Ninfa Castellanos, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers; Don Byers, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), Engineering Technologists Integration Project (ETIP) utilizes a PLAR process that facilitates applicant selection, and also influences design and development of technical curriculum and instructional materials. This approach, including a technical communication skills (ESL) component, can serve as a template for the creation of integrated bridging programs for other professions.

Pathways to Post Secondary

Presenters: Sylvia Provenski, Assiniboine Community College; Shirley Turner, Brandon Adult Learning Centre

Dual credit courses provide opportunities for students working toward a high school diploma to study post secondary courses and apply them for credit at both the secondary and post secondary levels. Manitoba has moved to the forefront of the dual credit initiative with its innovative dual credit projects, benefiting both adult learners and high school students.

Portfolios: A Method to Document Professional Growth

Presenters: Shirley Amichand, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Wascana Campus

Professionals within Canada are recognizing the opportunities that portfolios provide to demonstrate continued professional development and growth. Portfolios may be used to demonstrate currency, to challenge education courses, and to assess one's own professional growth. Educational institutions can provide professionals with assistance in the development of portfolios that showcase their prior skills and knowledge. This workshop will provide a step-by-step guide for the development of a professional portfolio.

Collaboration Amongst Ontario Regulators for Access to Professions

Presenters: Jan Robinson, College of Physiotherapists; Edwina McGroddy, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario

Ontario representatives from self-regulated professions have met over the past two years to share information on issues related to access to professions by international candidates. Arising from this sharing was the creation of a steering committee with a vision to recognize the skills of immigrants for the benefit of all Ontarians and the continued enhancement and preservation of standards to ensure public safety. Ontario's regulatory community is learning to share and benefit from each other's knowledge. This growing collaboration is a process, which while challenging, will result in tangible long-term benefits. This presentation will highlight the committee's approach to building community and capacity to deliberately and strategically engage the development and designing of proactive approaches for access.

Prior Learning, Inclusion & Accessibility as it Relates to Online Course Design

Presenters: Denise Nelson, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Virtual Campus; Sue Myers, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Nursing Division; Karen Barss, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Nursing Division

This presentation demonstrates how you can design an online course that embodies adult learning principles, recognizes prior learning, fosters inclusion and enhances accessibility. Drawing examples from a nursing course on interpersonal relationships, participants will explore creative interaction strategies including the use of rich authentic multimedia elements.

Luncheon Keynote Address
Lesleyanne Hawthorne

Lesleyanne Hawthorne, Assistant Dean (International), Director: Faculty International Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne

New Approaches to Recognizing International Credentials: Experimenting with Competency Based Assessment in Australia

Recent decades have coincided with unprecedented growth in global skill migration, including the movement of substantial numbers of professionals from non-traditional source countries to western nations. This process has posed increasing challenges to credential recognition systems, including those governed by governments and professional bodies with the power to control entry and monitor standards. Throughout the 1990s Australia's major institutional reform was the introduction of competency-based assessment (CBA), designed to assess migrants' actual professional or trade skills in situ, rather than rely on paper-based proof of qualifications. This address describes the evolution of competency-based assessment in Australia from the late 1980s; the application of CBA to select occupational groups: and the role of labour force and further education boards in relation to CBA training programs.

Listening to the Learners

Three experienced workers Jose M. España, Weld Technician with Presstran Industries, Dr. Swarndeep Hundal, Ph.D Zoology and Angela Bailey, Adult Learner

Manitoba's Adult Learning Centres – Models of PLAR Practice

Presenters: Lois Morin, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training; Darlene Cullimore, McLeod Adult Learning Centre; Carol Hawkins, Urban Circle Training Centre; Linda Parker, Horizons Learning Centre; Beth Bisson, Adult Education Centre; Sylvia Provenski, Brandon Learning Centre

Each Manitoba Adult Learning Centre is unique and the PLAR models developed for each demonstrate the similarities and the differences of the centres. A panel of presenters will describe their individual PLAR models and share with participants how this helps adults to achieve education and career goals.

Manitoba Qualifications Recognition Initiative

Presenters: Ximena Munoz, Manitoba Labour and Immigration; Eileen Shue, Manitoba Labour and Immigration

This workshop will provide participants with background on the barriers highly skilled immigrants face when attempting to re-enter their occupations in Canada. It will introduce a recent initiative of the Manitoba Government to develop a strategy to address the issue of qualifications recognition. Highlights of this strategy will be presented and feedback from participants will be encouraged.

Essential Skills in the Workplace

Presenter: Chris Bates, Human Resources Development Canada

This session will help participants understand the nine Essential Skills and the important role they play in career development and workplace training. Participants will hear about successful workplace Essential Skills tools, projects, resources, and will be given the opportunity to test these competencies.

Snapshot of a Provincial PLAR Network and Strengthening Connections to Others

Presenters: Gail Hall, Red River College; D'Arcy Phillips, Manitoba Aerospace Human Resource Coordinating Committee

This interactive session will provide a forum for discussion of the role, membership, and activities of provincial PLAR networks, how to keep them relevant for all stakeholders, how to engage members, and how to strengthen ties to other PLAR and related networks (including CAPLA).

A New PLAR Process for Mature Students Wanting to Complete High School in Ontario: Two Perspectives

Presenters: Mary Smart, Ontario Ministry of Education, Secondary Schools Policy and Programs Branch; Jane Foster, Ottawa Carleton Catholic District School Board, St. Nicholas Adult Education Centre

Join us in this interactive workshop to share in the experience of developing and implementing PLAR for adults wanting a high school diploma. Participants from across Canada will be encouraged to share their experiences with PLAR for adults at the secondary level.

Licensing Facilitation of Engineering Graduates Educated Overseas

Presenter: Norman Williams, Professional Engineers Ontario

The extension of PEO's application for license process, to accommodate prospective immigrants provides a binding assessment that is linked to licensure and does not require the payment of additional application fee(s). This facility and the recent introduction of provisional licenses are aimed to facilitate access by qualified non-Canadian educated/trained applicants.

Developing a PLAR and Certification Process with Community Justice Workers in Northern Manitoba First Nations Communities

Presenters: Maria Gill, Centre for Education and Work; Sandra DeLaronde, Manitoba Justice

Recognizing workplace-based learning in northern Manitoba First Nations communities is the goal of a multi-faceted project to establish a PLAR process and standards for certification of community justice workers. This project is a collaboration between the Centre for Education and Work, Manitoba Justice and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak.

PLAR Policies and Practices in Apprenticeship Across Canada

Presenters: Christine Newton, Prism Economics and Analysis; Bill Empey, Prism Economics and Analysis

Our presentation consists of a cross-jurisdictional comparison of PLAR policies and practices in apprenticeship across Canada. Conclusions and implications are discussed.

RPL for Access or Credit? Challenging the Academy

Presenter: Rosetta Khalideen, University of Regina

This presentation will explore the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for university access and credit. The RPL process in a program at the University of Regina will be discussed, highlighting the benefits to adult learners and dealing with the challenges of recognizing experiential learning within the academy.

The Challenges of PLAR in a 10 University Consortium

Presenters: Suzanne Doucette, University of Ottawa; Pamela Khan, University of Toronto

The presentation will focus on the challenges of delivering a PLAR process in not only a University environment but in a 10 University consortium. A distance delivered portfolio assessment process will be discussed by sharing the experiences of moving from a centralized to a decentralized process.

Challenges of Developing a Collaborative University/Industry Degree Completion Program

Presenters: Kathryn Shailer, University of Winnipeg; Judith Huebner, University of Winnipeg; Susan Turner, Boeing; Ron Bernard, Standard Aero

This presentation describes challenges and rewards involved in the development of a collaborative degree completion pilot project between the University of Winnipeg Division of Continuing Education and the Faculty of Arts and Science, and several industry partners: Boeing, Dunlop Standard Aero, and Manitoba Hydro.

Using PLAR to Articulate Skills Throughout an Occupation – Can Transferable Skill Sets Be Identified and Recognized in the Labour Force and Training?

Presenter: Louise Nichol, OARS Training Inc; Tamela Friesen, OARS Training Inc.

This session will share findings from a research project using PLAR processes to identify consistent job requirements between the occupations of welder, ironworker, steel fabricator and boilermaker. Findings may have profound implications for labour force planning, labour mobility and training.

Revitalizing PLAR: Building Community Awareness by Updating Resources for Students and Faculty

Presenter: Barbara Handler, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This demonstration session reviews processes and products of a two-year and ongoing consultation to gain approval by faculty and administrative committees on updated PLAR resources: separate brochures for faculty assessors, students and the community, a plar@humber advising address, an expanded PLAR web site and an on-line Resource Guide for Faculty. (Also in CD-ROM format)

Takin' it to the Streets in Manitoba: PLAR Policy Implementation – Where Are We Now?

Presenters: Sandi Howell, Dwight Botting, Louise Gordon, Lois Morin, Denise Hanning, Christine Kuehl and Leon Simard, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training

A panel from Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, including representatives from post-secondary, advisory services, industry, Apprenticeship and Aboriginal education, will share objectives, achievements to date, lessons learned and future plans.

Sector Partnerships Work – Industry-Based Recognition of Prior Learning from a Saskatchewan Perspective

Presenters: Gladys Hill, Saskatchewan Learning; Lori Petruskevich, Saskatchewan Learning; Norma Wildeman , Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology - Nursing Education Program; Susanne McElhineey, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology – Early Childhood Education Program; Nicole Melby, from the Regina Open Door Society

Industry Sectors in Saskatchewan are using a partnership approach to implement Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to develop a skilled workforce. Three sectors (early childhood education, nursing, and immigrant/refugees) have undertaken projects that explore using RPL as a strategic human resources planning tool. Project highlights and key findings will be shared.

Canadian Language Benchmarks, The National Standard for Describing Language Proficiency – Case Study Nursing Profession

Presenters: Pauline McNaughton, Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks; Lucy Epp, Red River College; Cathy Lewis, Red River College

Highly skilled immigrant workers often lack valid professional assessment of their language abilities. Come and find out how the Canadian Language Benchmarks, the national standard, can help describe, measure and recognize language proficiency in the workplace through a case study analysis of their application in the Nursing Profession.

Educational Programs and PLAR Opportunities for Canadian Forces Personnel

Presenters: Kenn Doerksen, University of Manitoba; Ginette Lamarre, Ahuntsic College; Gary McNeely, Brandon University; Janet Rintjema, Royal Military College; Capt. Bryan Goutouski, Base Personnel Selection Officer, C.F.B. Shilo; Monique Goyette, Department of National Defense

Representatives from the University of Manitoba, Ahuntsic College, Royal Military College, Department of National Defence, C.F.B. Shilo, and Brandon University will describe their education and PLAR programs. Canadian Forces personnel will present testimonials regarding these programs. Closing discussion will give participants opportunities to foster partnerships for implementing similar programs.

Developing an Equivalency Process for Early Childhood Educators in Ontario

Presenter: Colleen Thomas, George Brown College

This presentation is designed to acquaint and involve the participants in the use of an equivalency tool designed for Early Childhood Educators. Participants will be given an overview on the development of the tool, and opportunities to use the self- assessment section and give feedback about its use.

Recognizing Learning of Internationally Trained Individuals

Presenters: Kirsten Williams, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Tim Owen, World Education Services Canada; Carmen Hust, Algonquin Colleges/Three Choices

This workshop is designed to share some of the innovative initiatives that recognize the learning of internationally trained individuals. Through a panel discussion, some best practices in recognizing learning will be showcased. The presentation will provide information that may guide efforts to recreate these models in other jurisdictions.

University PLAR: Challenges in Reaching the Finish Line

Presenters: Judith Huebner, University of Winnipeg; Barbara Read, University of Winnipeg; Anahita Aminian, University of Winnipeg

This workshop will examine the challenges in introducing PLAR across a university, and will explore with participants, from both student and faculty perspectives, proven and potential ways to meet these challenges. We'll consider three areas of PLAR at the UW: where we're at, where we want to go, and challenges; past, present and future.

SEECanada: A Tool for Empowering Immigrants at the Pre-Immigration Stage

Presenters: Kevin Kamal, World Education Services; Amanda Harris, CanadaInfoNet

The objective of SEECanada.Org is to provide settlement, employment and education information to newcomers at the pre-immigration stage who are skilled in business, professions and trades. As well, SEECanada.Org offers vital information to those who have already made Ontario their first choice for immigration.

School to Work – Competencies as a Basis for Articulating Learning Between the Workplace and the Classroom

Presenter: Louise Nichol, OARS Training Inc.

This lecture will present experience in developing PLAR-based learning outcomes that integrate classroom and workplace standards. This session is based on research used in developing a School to Work-Work to School model for northern communities. Participants will be guided through a process model of converting workplace documentation into learning outcomes.

Les services de reconnaissance des acquis extrascolaires pour la formation générale des adultes au Québec

Presenter: Marc Leduc, Government of Quebec

Assessment of extracurricular prior learning is a priority of the Québec Government Policy on Adult Education and Continuing Education and Training. Among other targets, it is aimed at adults who are studying in order to obtain a secondary school diploma. The policy provides direction as to the procedure for gaining access to the assessment of extracurricular prior learning, financial resources and the development of tools, models and techniques. And what does the assessment of extracurricular prior learning mean? Above and beyond the tools used to measure and evaluate, there is a realization that there are a number of other means to have official documents issued to candidates, for example, administrative procedures or even customized study programs. Participants will be induced to widen their approach to the assessment of extracurricular prior learning, while at the same time defining it.

Performance Evaluation Using Portfolio and Competency Maps

Presenter: Karen Shue, ABI Possibilities Inc.

This presentation describes an innovative performance evaluation system used in a small service-based agency. Competency maps are used in training and performance evaluation. Employees develop personal Competency Portfolios reflecting their knowledge and skills for each competency. Portfolios are used as the basis for performance evaluation and in opportunities for promotion.

Challenges and Experience with PLAR in Water Resources Engineering Technology PLAR in Civil Engineering Technology – Is It Possible?

Presenter: Art Skibinsky, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Palliser Campus

The presenters will share the experience gained by SIAST through a joint project set up to recognize existing skills of long term Sask Water employees and to provide skills upgrading in identified areas. This will be followed with a review of work being done in the Water and Wastewater area.

Using Academic Portfolios for Admission to Professional Graduate Programs: The Dalhousie University MPA (Management) Program

Presenters: Douglas Myers, PLA Centre – Halifax; Teresa Francis, PLA Centre – Halifax

A number of factors (external partnerships and funding support, ongoing change in professional practice, etc) seem to make professional college and university programs more open to RPL innovations. The Dalhousie School of Public Administration, the Nova Scotia government and the Halifax PLA Centre have collaborated to enable successful mid-career civil servants – who do not possess the normal undergraduate entrance requirements — to seek admission to a graduate program through the development and submission of an 'academic learning portfolio'. The success and implications of this initiative will be considered.

Banquet

Our closing banquet celebrated the diverse culture and heritage of Manitoba with a showcase entertainment that delighted our audience. The thrilling hoop dance of Native Canada; the songs and music of the Filipino culture and the exciting HOPAK by the Rosmai Ukrainian Dance Company were among the highlights of this multicultural display.

Canadian Sector Councils Speak Out on the Recognition of Prior Learning
Keith Lancastle	Executive Director, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
Johanna Oehling	Executive Director, National Seafood Sector Council
Wendy Swedlove	President, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
Paul Swinwood	President, Software Human Resource Council
Grant Trump	Chairperson, Alliance of Sector Councils and President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry
Deborah Wolfe	Director Education, Outreach & Research, Canadian Council of Professional Engineers

Many sector councils are interested in recognizing prior learning for a variety of reasons. There are already skills shortages and finding out what someone knows and can do is a key human resource strategy for today's labour force. The panelists will describe their interest in learning recognition and will comment on the implications for essential skills, training, certification and immigration. Grant Trump and Paul Swinwood will discuss the past, present and future perspective of prior learning assessment and qualification recognition issues as it relates to the environment and software industries. Wendy Swedlove of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council will speak to their work over the past decade in prior learning assessment in the form of professional certification programs. Professional Certification for an individual in the tourism industry includes testing against national occupation standards, pre-requisites and industry experience. The Council will also speak to future labour market issues, and the opportunities for qualification recognition. Deborah Wolfe will provide a short history of the evaluation of International Engineering Graduates' qualifications by the engineering profession for entry into the profession. She will then summarize the findings of Phase I of the From Consideration to Integration project. This project, funded by the government of Canada, aims to improve the integration of International Engineering Graduates into the profession and workforce while maintaining appropriate admissions standards and public safety. Keith Lancastle will address the importance of apprenticeship in Canada and the regulation of apprenticeship as a provincial / territorial responsibility; each jurisdiction has established systems and processes designed to meet the needs of their particular labour market. Johanna Oehling will discuss the National Seafood Sector Council's human resources strategy to address the challenges of recognizing supervisory skills in the seafood processing industry.

Adult Learning and Recognition Policies in Canada
Pat Rowantree	Deputy Minister, Advanced Education & Training
Bruce Rigby	Senior Advisor Adult Learning Department of Education, Government of Nunavut
Wayne McElree	Assistant Deputy Minister, Saskatchewan Learning
Lynne Dee Sproule	Director, Community Learning Policy, Learning Policy Directorate, Strategic Policy Branch, HRDC

A panel of national, provincial and territorial presenters will talk about the inroads they have made in articulating a vision for adult learners in terms of prior learning assessment and recognition and international credential assessment. Pat Rowantree will describe Manitoba's PLAR policy framework and the progress made towards its implementation. It will be placed within the context of Manitoba's training strategy goals. Wayne McElree will outline the principles and approach that have led to the creation of the Provincial Framework for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Saskatchewan. The development of the Framework was led by the Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board and outlines a vision, guiding principles, the role of stakeholders and a comprehensive action plan aimed at improving the learning recognition system in the province. Bruce Rigby will look at Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Learning in Canada's Newest Territory.

National Standards, Certification & Training for PLAR
Deborah Blower	PLA Facilitator, Red River College
Doug Myers	Executive Director, PLA Centre, Halifax NS
Chloe Dyson	Melbourne University, Australia
Maria Desjardins	Chairperson, CAPLA PLAR Coordinator - Nova Scotia Community College
Paul Zakos	Manager, PLA and Program Development, First Nations Technical Institute

As with other sectors in Canada, there is a need to develop standards of practice, training opportunities and voluntary certification for PLAR practitioners who advise and/or assess experiential learning. This super session will look at what is currently in place in several provinces, how the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) Benchmarks contribute to the practice, and whether national certification processes should be the next step.

Closing Plenary – Michael Adams

Michael Adams is the president of the Environics group of research and communications consulting companies that includes Environics Research, Environics West, CROP, Research House, Environics International, Environics Communications, and Environics/Lipkin, which together have annual sales in excess of $45 million Canadian. These companies have offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, New York and Washington. Environics Research, the company he co-founded in 1970, monitors and interprets social, political and consumer trends on behalf of a large international clientele of organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Mr. Adams' special expertise is the impact of social trends on public policy and corporate strategy. He is the author of two Canadian best-sellers: Sex in the Snow: Canadian Social Values at the End of the Millennium (Penguin, 1997), and Better Happy Than Rich? Canadians, Money and the Meaning of Life, published in November 2000, also by Penguin. His third book Fire and Ice: The United States, Canada and the Myth of Converging Values, was published in May 2003 (Penguin).