Canadian attitudes toward learning

The Canadian Council on Learning has released the results of an analysis of the 2008 Survey on Canadian Attitudes toward Learning, which was conducted jointly with Statistics Canada.

The survey was designed to gather information about Canadians’ opinions, beliefs and experiences pertaining to four aspects of lifelong learning, including early childhood learning, structured learning (elementary, secondary and post-secondary), work-related learning, and health and learning.

The following findings are of particular interest to researchers, policy makers and activists who are interested in the state of accessibility to post-secondary education:

• Canadians generally indicate that post-secondary institutions are doing a good job, except with respect to providing access to all qualified students.
• Canadians are particularly concerned about post-secondary access for low-income students.
• Canadians believe student loans and financial aid are generally available, but over 80% feel that students have to borrow too much to pay for post-secondary education.

The full report may be downloaded here in .pdf format.