Employer consultations have started across the province, driven by an Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) initiative to obtain the views and advice of BC employers on their needs and requirements in attracting, hiring and retaining skilled immigrant talent. The first of 14 regional and sector-specific focus groups was held today in Fort St. John, inviting businesses in the district to discuss what's working for them and where improvements can be made.
Today's focus group was hosted by the Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce, and facilitated by Human Capital Strategies (HCS).
Similar focus groups will be held until February in regions across BC, including Metro Vancouver, Fort Nelson, Prince George, Kelowna, Comox Valley and Cranbrook, where internationally trained immigrants have migrated to, seeking employment.
A global skills shortage is expected to hit BC employers by as soon as 2015. Residents are getting older, the birth rate is declining and BC's economy is becoming increasingly reliant on skilled immigrants in order to remain globally competitive. Skilled immigrants in BC are being under-utilized in the labour market and are statistically underemployed, relative to their labour market potential. As a result, the BC government has made immigrant workforce integration a top economic priority.
The consultations are expected to yield recommendations on effective programs and policies in support of provincial and federal labour market development. Additional outcomes include concrete tools, resources and effective practices for employers, especially SMEs, that will benefit their bottom line.
IEC-BC is leading a collaborative effort involving government, employers and community organizations providers to develop effective solutions that address the under utilization of skilled immigrants in BC's labour market.
Upcoming Consultations
Jan 13, 2012 - Fort Nelson, BC
Jan 18, 2012 - Langley, BC
Jan 19, 2012 - Prince George, BC
Jan 24, 2012 - Cranbrook, BC
Jan 25, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Jan 27, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Jan 27, 2012 - New Westminster, BC
Feb 2, 2012 - Burnaby, BC
Feb 3, 2012 - Vancouver BC
Feb 7, 2012 - Comox Valley, BC
Feb 8, 2012 - Kelowna, BC
Feb 9, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Feb 10, 2012 - Surrey, BC
Jan 18, 2012 - Langley, BC
Jan 19, 2012 - Prince George, BC
Jan 24, 2012 - Cranbrook, BC
Jan 25, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Jan 27, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Jan 27, 2012 - New Westminster, BC
Feb 2, 2012 - Burnaby, BC
Feb 3, 2012 - Vancouver BC
Feb 7, 2012 - Comox Valley, BC
Feb 8, 2012 - Kelowna, BC
Feb 9, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
Feb 10, 2012 - Surrey, BC
For more information, email info@iecbc.ca
Twitter: @IEC_BC
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