Canada is a nation of outstanding learners committed to the belief that learning is a lifelong process. It is a nation of people of all ages and backgrounds who learn at school, work, college and university. They also learn through their community activities, hobbies and home life. Although some of this learning is recognized in the form of report cards, credentials, and jobs, much of what Canadians know and can do goes unrecognized. This is not only true for those born in Canada but also for immigrants who bring valuable skills, knowledge and credentials to Canada from all over the world.

Why is it Essential to Recognize Learning?
As Canada faces increasing skill shortages, declining birth rates, changing demographics, and a shifting economic climate, it is essential that employers, educators, regulatory bodies and government policy makers draw on the vast pool of untapped skills, knowledge and credentials of individuals living in this country in order to sustain Canada's workforce. To do this, it is important that Canadian leaders in government, industry and communities take more active and persistent action to recognize the skills, knowledge and credentials of learners and workers in all jurisdictions, across occupational sectors and in our formal institutions, no matter when, why or how this learning was acquired.

History
Initially, the effort to recognize and credit learning was viewed as the primary responsibility of post-secondary institutions, many of whom actually pioneered the strategies used today. However, experience in Canada and around the world suggests that for the nation to benefit fully from the skills, knowledge and abilities of its residents, this function cannot be left to post-secondary institutions alone. Rather, the job of recognizing learning is a mandate for all of us.

Canada has made a great start. Since the early 1980s, hundreds of projects and initiatives have successfully demonstrated that there are cost-effective strategies that can be used to recognize the existing skills, knowledge and credentials of Canada's populace.

What is Canada's Portfolio?
Canada's Portfolio provides examples of how Canadian employers, unions, education institutions, community agencies, governments, regulatory bodies and others are:

• Recognizing the skills, knowledge and credentials of adults all across the country
• Solving challenging local, provincial, regional and national human resource problems
• Celebrating the learning achievements of Canadians
• Contributing to the future health and vitality of Canada

By using this Portfolio you will learn about some of these projects and initiatives. You will learn about what worked well and what could have worked better. You will also learn about the benefits and the challenges of various initiatives.

Summary
It is our responsibility as a nation to recognize that all learning counts. Only by doing this will we be able to sustain the rich and vibrant texture of the social and economic well-being Canada has long enjoyed.