Policy & Positions Manual
Policy Priority Area - Skills and Labour Shortage
Statement of Policy
BC business and industry can become, and remain, competitive only by the continued investment in, and maintenance of, the highest standards in the development of human capital. These standards must effectively meet international levels of competitiveness reflecting the changing needs of the world economic activity to keep BC business and industry competitive for the future.
No longer “looming”, the shortage of skilled workers and new job entrants is now having a direct impact on British Columbia’s economy and the well-being of business, industries and communities throughout the province. As an issue, the skills and labour shortage is impacting the viability of small businesses in BC.
While solutions to the skills shortage will need to be driven by the business community, Government has a critical role to play in ensuring an adequate supply of workers, as well as providing the structure and resources to encourage training of the workforce, particularly for small business.
Also, having a highly skilled, adaptable workforce is critical if BC industries are to improve our labour productivity performance.
While there is a need for a focused and structured plan of action from all stakeholders, there is a longer-term need for a fundamental realignment of thinking in our collective approach to the development and implementation of education, training and labour market policies, programs and strategies. This is particularly true for small businesses, the cornerstone of BC’s economy, in all regions and in all communities. The Chamber believes all stakeholders need to embrace the following principles as a cornerstone of their policy and decision-making processes:
- Small business specific policies and programs;
- Comprehensive strategies that address the needs of small businesses in all sectors, regions and occupations;
- Labour demand-driven development and implementation of strategies;
- Balancing small business short-term and long-term skills priorities;
- Strategies that can be adapted to the needs of small businesses in various regions;
- Strategies that can be adapted to the needs of small businesses in various industry sectors; and
- Programs and tools which are readily accessible and practical for use by small businesses.
