Canadians Going to School in Increasing Numbers to Learn, and Earn, More

TORONTO, Dec. 12 – Enrolment in postsecondary education continues to rise, as job prospects and earning advantages increase for graduates. This was one of many findings contained in a major report released today by education ministers and Statistics Canada. Education Indicators in Canada: Report of the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program is a comprehensive data compendium on the characteristics and functioning of education systems in the provinces and territories. The 2007 report looks at key developments and emerging trends related to the school-age population, the financing of education systems, and the school-to- work transition. PCEIP 2007 is available on the Internet in its entirety, free of charge (www.statcan.ca; www.cmec.ca), as well as in hard copy from Statistics Canada.

PCEIP 2007 is published by the Canadian Education Statistics Council (CESC), a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

“Education is the most valuable asset that we as individuals, communities, and governments can invest in,” said Dr. Raymond Théberge, CMEC’s Director General. “The findings in this report underscore how education can play a pivotal role in making Canada a place where we all want to live – a country of social equity and mobility, as well as economic prosperity.”

“This report provides a wealth of information about education systems in Canada for researchers, students and the public in general,” said Dr. Ivan Fellegi, Chief Statistician of Canada and federal co-chair of CESC.

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For further information: Hanca Chang, Media Relations, Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, (416) 962-8100, ext. 265, h.chang@cmec.ca; Client Services, Centre for Education Statistics, Statistics Canada, 1-800-307-3382, educationstats@statcan.ca, www.statisticscanada.ca