Federal government kicking in $201,000 to help 12 organizations develop best practices, results will be shared on a website
The federal government is giving a total of $201,000 to help 12 businesses across Manitoba become employers of choice.
The pilot project is designed to help small- and medium-sized companies to attract and retain workers who are skilled in trades and technologies, said Reg Alcock, president of the Treasury Board of Canada.
“Here in Manitoba, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are most affected by labour shortages, and this project will help develop resources for both businesses and employees,” said Alcock.
According to the province, SMEs employ about 67 per cent of the Manitoba workforce.
“Manitoba’s small and medium-sized businesses are important drivers of our economic base, and we support industry’s efforts to make this province the best place in Canada to live and work,” said Diane McGifford, Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “Spearheaded by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Manitoba Division, but open to all sectors of the economy, the employer of choice program will help build our future workforce while addressing current issues that hamper small business expansion.”
How the program will work
Twelve companies from all sectors of the economy are participating in the pilot project over the next year.
They are taking the lead in creating workplaces where people want to work and excel at what they do, the province said. With the support of the program, the companies will undertake comprehensive assessments to determine what they are doing well, build on their successes and continue to grow.
“The biggest barrier to growth and development for small- and medium-sized businesses is the shortage of skilled labour,” said Tony Van Rosmalen, vice-president, Manitoba Division, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “We hope to lead the way in assisting Manitoba SMEs develop strategies that will work over the long term to address their labour force issues. We appreciate the efforts of both levels of government in working with us to develop tools to attract new workers, retain our young people, create diverse workplaces and keep skilled staff in Manitoba.”
The companies will also work to develop the expertise to attract, recruit and retain staff and get peak performance on a day-to-day basis.
The assessments and action plans developed will be shared through the employer of choice website at www.becomeanemployerofchoice.mb.ca.
Federal funding for this program was provided for in the March 2004 budget.
The pilot project is designed to help small- and medium-sized companies to attract and retain workers who are skilled in trades and technologies, said Reg Alcock, president of the Treasury Board of Canada.
“Here in Manitoba, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are most affected by labour shortages, and this project will help develop resources for both businesses and employees,” said Alcock.
According to the province, SMEs employ about 67 per cent of the Manitoba workforce.
“Manitoba’s small and medium-sized businesses are important drivers of our economic base, and we support industry’s efforts to make this province the best place in Canada to live and work,” said Diane McGifford, Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “Spearheaded by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Manitoba Division, but open to all sectors of the economy, the employer of choice program will help build our future workforce while addressing current issues that hamper small business expansion.”
How the program will work
Twelve companies from all sectors of the economy are participating in the pilot project over the next year.
They are taking the lead in creating workplaces where people want to work and excel at what they do, the province said. With the support of the program, the companies will undertake comprehensive assessments to determine what they are doing well, build on their successes and continue to grow.
“The biggest barrier to growth and development for small- and medium-sized businesses is the shortage of skilled labour,” said Tony Van Rosmalen, vice-president, Manitoba Division, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “We hope to lead the way in assisting Manitoba SMEs develop strategies that will work over the long term to address their labour force issues. We appreciate the efforts of both levels of government in working with us to develop tools to attract new workers, retain our young people, create diverse workplaces and keep skilled staff in Manitoba.”
The companies will also work to develop the expertise to attract, recruit and retain staff and get peak performance on a day-to-day basis.
The assessments and action plans developed will be shared through the employer of choice website at www.becomeanemployerofchoice.mb.ca.
Federal funding for this program was provided for in the March 2004 budget.
