HR issues highlight of Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce conference

Third annual event scheduled for Tuesday morning at Vernon River Parish Hall

Businesses in Eastern P.E.I. will get a deeper understanding of human resources issues in that part of the province, such as finding skilled workers, at Tuesday’s annual Explore Economics East conference.

“One of the main issues of concern was HR staffing, seasonal staff and how to retain it. So, that’s why we wanted to bring that topic to the forefront,” said Lori MacGregor, executive director of the Eastern Prince Edward Island Chamber of Commerce.

“It was during my outreach that I talked to so many employers, and they were like: ‘You’ve got to help us. We’re struggling to get quality people and retain them.’”

“It’s going to be a packed morning, which will give any small business time to connect. We’re going to have lots of booths around the room of partners to see what they can tap into as far as funding or program support of any kind. So, it’s valuable for them.” Lori MacGregor

The half-day conference is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at the Vernon River Parish Hall.

“It’s going to be a packed morning, which will give any small business time to connect. We’re going to have lots of booths around the room of partners to see what they can tap into as far as funding or program support of any kind. So, it’s valuable for them,” she said.

A panel comprised of Dianne Griffin (3 Points Aviation), Brent Byrnes (Upstreet Craft Brewing), Mary Grant (Cardigan Feed Services) and Todd Cormier (Eastern Fabricators) has been set up to discuss the issues with human resources.

Besides finding skilled workers, other topics for discussion include navigating wage subsidy programs, increasing the skills base in communities, an aging population and engaging youth.

The conference is expected to wrap up at 1 p.m.

The keynote speaker is Mark MacDonald, CEO and president of Northumberland Ferries.