Chapter 10: Exploring Investment in Canadian Work-Related Training: A Provincial Case Study¹

Canada has a complex and diverse educational system. Each of the 10 provinces and three (northern) territories has jurisdiction over its own public school curriculum, facilities, program delivery, standards, graduation requirements, employment credentials, and finances. The overall structure and articulation for secondary and postsecondary institutions varies by province or territory and within those frameworks the position and treatment of vocational education and training differs.

Each province and territory has established an educational system intended to meet local needs that reflect regional customs, expectations, values, and employment patterns. Not only do provincial or territorial strategies for vocational education and training change, in some instances these jurisdictions may be adopting approaches recently abolished by others. Differences in approach may result from distinctive historical growth, local resources, preferences of administrators, or community opinion. In addition, there often appears to be little consultation, coordination, or shared information among the 13 jurisdictions.