Spotlight on Regional Business Issues
With a municipal election around the corner, what are the key regional business issues that impact Peninsula Manufacturers and Industry? These issues apply across the political spectrum to whomever represents the newly elected councils on the Peninsula.
FREE TRADE
Peninsula Manufacturers are significant exporters. In fact, the majority of these companies export, on average, 80 per cent of their products. As a sector, regional manufacturers are in favour of free trade and welcome the improvment of efficiency and productivity to enhance global competitiveness. Companies may be hidden from the main transportation modes, but they are major players on the global stage.
TRAINING AND SKILL TRADES
Numerous federal government job training and industry funded R&D programs are integral to the manufacturing sector’s growth and sustainability. Since the majority of the federally sponsored programs are administered through provincial ministries, municipal government must continue to be aware and supportive of these programs for Industry.
HOUSING
Peninsula Manufacturers are in strong support of increasing affordable workforce housing inventory. The Sidney North Saanich Industrial Group (SNSIG) has been very vocal about this issue and will continue to advocate to the newly elected municipal councils.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation related solutions for operational reasons and employee groups continue to be a major issue for Industry members.
Can large trucks move efficiently through an increasingly populated and busy highway system? Are current transit options sufficient to move upwards of three shifts of employees thru the Peninsula? Is the Colwood Crawl a barrier to attracting and retaining employees?
Let’s keep these issues front and centre as we collectively work ourselves thru the numerous allcandidates meetings and media events for these budding municipal politicians.