We can meet talent challenge in Saskatchewan
Hiring skilled and experienced employees and specialty trades is the key to the success of any construction project. A possible shortage of skilled trades is one of the primary issues facing industry and many sectors of the economy and one of the most essential sectors is the residential construction industry. This labour supply dynamic represents an opportunity for those looking for a rewarding career and an improvement in quality of life, and an opportunity also for communities to sustain the momentum and benefits of growth.
The threat of a shortage of skilled workers in the residential construction industry creates a barrier to investment and growth for many other industries, and as a result would constrain the growth of both the local economy and the Province. The residential construction industry contributes billions of dollars annually to Saskatchewan’s economy while providing nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs through building and renovating over 14,000 homes per year.
Through the work of industries collaborating directly with employers to ensure training and education opportunities meet the specific labour market needs of the residential construction industry, employers are making sure that these many opportunities in the economy do not pass us by. The housing industry is challenged by the high demand for homes in all communities across Saskatchewan, a result of significant population increases over the last five years. Our province has not experienced population growth and housing demand at the current rate for over 30 years and builders and developers are challenged but succeeding in the quest to find employees to help increase construction capacity.
Not only do we compete with other industry sectors here in Saskatchewan; there are strong economies in the other western provinces facing similar retirement issues and a strong demand for skilled trades. For us in Saskatchewan, merely offering lateral moves and ‘poaching’ employees from other contractors or industries in the province is actually counterproductive. The resulting gain for the economy is nil. There is a real advantage for Saskatchewan business and the economy generally in leading a multi-faceted labour market development strategy.
The government, our premier, and the Ministry of Advanced Education Employment and Immigration have acted as much as government can and should to create a positive environment and climate which should encourage people to consider the high quality of life and opportunity in this great province. Is there more to do? Maybe, and certainly seeing Immigrant Nominee programs tailored to high demand sectors and regions is being considered and pursued. Undoubtedly, we could also find other deficiencies in various systems. However, immigration or inter-provincial migration has its best success when businesses, with the most at stake, step up and take a proactive and competitive posture regarding the recruitment of new workers for industry and Saskatchewan.
Yes, there is no silver bullet and yes, there are challenges on the horizon and a multitude of solutions to ensure that we cash in on the real opportunities in this great period of growth. Ironically, most of us have known the story of demography, and the resultant issues and impacts on labour, health care, and the economy for decades now. They are compounding in Saskatchewan lately as we rise up to our own potential and become the strong self-sustaining economy we always felt we should be. The promise of Saskatchewan won’t be realized from talking or dreaming. By planning for growth, encouraging investment and fostering leadership we will build a sound foundation and achieve the lasting results in job growth and economic development. If we do nothing, nothing happens. Government creates and is creating the environment for growth. Businesses need to take advantage of the opportunity and create the jobs, recruit the workforce from abroad and grow this great province. The numbers from analyzing key economic indicators certainly tell us that many businesses are reaching across the globe to build this strong workforce and bring more families to Saskatchewan.
We are building a legacy for generations, for Saskatchewan, and for Canada, but many industries, in the home building industry or any busi- ness if we do nothing and nothing happens. If we truly believe in the future for Saskatchewan we must all consider our role in building a new workforce with open doors worldwide to the ‘ New Saskatchewan.’ We must spread our reach beyond our borders and continue to welcome people from around the world. We must continue to focus on ‘up skilling’ and careers for life in all sectors of our economy.
We must see the goal of a province for many people, sharing in abundant richness and meeting the needs of the world and we must be deliberate in bringing people here from across the globe to build and maintain the momentum that has this city and province leading Canada as a dominant player on the world stage in the early stages of the 21st century and for generations to come.
We’re growing because the path is clearer, business is creating new jobs, building more opportunities and building a stronger Saskatchewan.