Acknowledgements

This book seeks to introduce readers to the Canadian labour-market training system—what it is, how it works, and why it works that way. It builds upon much prior research and course-development work done by current and former colleagues at Athabasca University. Thanks are due to Steve Boddington, Derek Briton, Ursule Critophe, Winston Gereluk, Tara Gibb, Cal Hauserman, Patricia Hughes-Fuller, Jenna Kelland, Ingo Schmidt, Bruce Spencer, Jeff Taylor, Michael Welton, and Theresia Williams. Particular thanks are due to my friend and research partner, Jason Foster, for patiently listening to me work out what I actually thought; making uncountable helpful suggestions; and being an able stats-monkey.

Much of the research and writing of this book took place during annual research leaves secured by the collective agreement negotiated by the Athabasca University Faculty Association. Revisions were completed during a research sabbatical secured by the same agreement. Without such job-protected leaves, the completion of large research projects would be very difficult.

Thanks are also due to the editorial committee and staff of Athabasca University Press, including Connor Houlihan, Sergiy Kozakov, Karyn Wisselink, and Megan Hall, and to the two anonymous reviewers of the original manuscript for their helpful comments.

I would also like thank my family—Jennifer and Jessica—who listened patiently as I complained (sometimes bitterly!) about this project. Jennifer also closely read the entire first draft and suggested numerous substantive improvements.