Manufacturing is vital to Canada’s economy and to the prosperity and living standards of all Canadians. Our manufacturing sector is under tremendous pressure as a result of multiple external stresses including marketplace globalization, an accelerated pace of technological change and a global financial crisis that has had an immediate and negative impact on Canadian industries. The business environment is changing and manufacturers are now urgently re-focusing their strategies to remain competitive and continue to be an important part of the Canadian economy.
Challenges include early retirement, a below-average level of workforce education, a reduced ability to attract young workers and changing skills requirements. Most manufacturers, are expected to be hard-hit by the global credit squeeze and economic slowdown because of their dependence on exports.
The Manufacturing Caucus on Labour Market Solutions of The Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC) was established to respond to the skills and human resources challenges facing Canadian manufacturing.
This initiative includes two strategies:
- The first is to identify ways that sectors can up-skill existing workers to help companies achieve maximum productivity and competitiveness.
- The second is to develop strategies to facilitate workforce transition and adjustment from within a given sector or between compatible sectors.
This is being accomplished through a cross-sectoral approach that is committed to addressing skills development, labour market and human resource issues across the various sectors within Canadian manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Caucus on Labour Market Solutions is Co-Chaired by:
Sector councils currently active in the manufacturing caucus on labour market solutions are listed below:
The Manufacturing Caucus is also developing a working relationship with the Canadian Manufacturer’s and Exporters, Industry Canada and other key stakeholders.