The Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) is an independent, non-profit corporation that promotes and supports research to improve all aspects of learning—across the country and across all walks of life. And since asking questions is the basis of learning—we ask a lot of them. Like what works and what doesn’t work in improving adult literacy? What are the keys to early childhood learning? How can we use education to improve the health of Canadians?

Our job is to provide Canadians with the most current information about effective approaches to learning for learners, educators, employers and policy-makers. Our work is focused on three key areas:
  • Research and knowledge mobilization
  • Monitoring and reporting on progress in learning
  • Exchange of knowledge about effective learning practices among learning stakeholders

Our activities span the entire spectrum of lifelong learning through all stages of life (child, youth and adult), in many settings (home, classroom, community and workplace), and in different forms, from structured learning to self-directed learning and learning by doing. Our scope is also inclusive. We recognize the diverse cultures and circumstances of Canada’s population, and the variety of learning settings and situations

To support lifelong learning in Canada we:

  • Operate five knowledge centres in five regions across Canada that focus on critical learning themes: Aboriginal Learning, Adult Learning, Early Childhood Learning, Health and Learning, and Work and Learning.
  • Work with provincial and territorial governments and NGOs to establish networks, identify research priorities and support the exchange of knowledge related to structured learning.
  • Perform and commission research on learning-related topics. Funding for research projects is awarded on a competitive basis and all proposals are peer-reviewed and tested for relevance, accessibility, scalability and collaboration.
  • Develop the Composite Learning Index to measure Canada’s performance in lifelong learning.
  • Support knowledge exchange activities such as conferences, forums, expositions and roundtables.
  • Develop new networks for the exchange of information, best practices and success stories.
  • Partner with other organizations to pursue strategic learning initiatives of mutual interest.
  • Publish annual reports on various learning themes, as well as more regular reports.

Funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada, CCL was created in 2004 following a series of nationwide consultations on innovation. Canadians agreed that lifelong learning is essential to make Canada a world leader in innovation, skills and learning.
The notion of learning at the “edge of chaos” fits well with what learning theory tells us about the conditions that maximize human learning.
Stuart Kauffman, The Origins of Order

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