"Social innovation" has become a buzzword in social policy circles over the past decade and the concept of social innovation has emerged as an influential approach to address intractable social problems. Yet despite widespread discussion and promotion, there is still limited understanding of precisely what the concept means in terms of practice, and no commonly accepted definition exists. The term has nevertheless increasingly become common shorthand for applying market tools and engaging private sector players in areas normally reserved for the non-profit sector. It also assumes a desire to do things differently with better results. There are many strands of social innovation in Canada, some emerging, others predating the notion itself. To start understanding how social innovation might happen in the landscape of literacy and essential skills, the authors describe and analyze how different forms of social innovation are crystallizing in Canada and elsewhere and then consider what aspects might be applied to literacy, education and skills training.