Representatives from the mining and energy sectors met with the federal and provincial government today to discuss skilled labour initiatives and human resource planning, as part of a series of roundtables being held over coming months with sectors highlighted in the BC Jobs Plan.

The roundtables, co-hosted with industry associations and employers, aim to stimulate discussion and create awareness about how sectors can access skilled labour and satisfy human-resource requirements, as a result of demographic changes and an aging population.  These demographic realities - together with economic growth- place significant pressure on key sectors to find innovative solutions to address skills shortages.

Participants were invited to share information and engage in discussions about labour supply and demand, immigration, pathways to citizenship, education, skills training, and employer supports, including supports for Aboriginal people.

This is another way government is working to provide employers and industry the opportunity to ask and respond to questions and inform the provincial and federal governments of key labour issues.

As key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan, mining and energy activities provide approximately 30,000 well-paying jobs throughout the province, ranging from remote First Nations and rural communities to corporate offices in B.C.’s largest city, Vancouver. Electricity demand is forecast to increase by 40% over the next 20 years, providing opportunities for new electricity-generation projects and job opportunities. Additionally, revenues to government generated by the energy and mining sectors are used to fund important social programs like health care and education.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“Through continual dialogue and sharing of ideas, we are working to address the shifting needs of B.C.’s labour market. This roundtable will provide an excellent forum to engage in conversations and take a closer look at how our government as well as industry can continue to partner to meet employers’ labour market needs.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister Responsible for Core Review—

“The skills shortage in mining is a challenge for industry today. Initiatives such as these are not only a great example of the collaborative effort between government and industry to discuss training and diversity, but are also an excellent opportunity to work together in an innovative way to ensure we have the necessary human resource programs that will support the ongoing and increased contribution from the B.C. mineral exploration and mining sector.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is reaching a tipping point where more people are leaving the workforce than entering it. That is why government is taking action now to address this rapidly changing labour market. 
• Mining and energy exports accounted for 35% of all B.C. exports in 2013.
• In 2013, the average weekly earnings were $1,623 for employees in the mining and energy sector - nearly double the B.C. average.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan, visit: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

Mining and Energy Sector Three Year Progress Update: http://ow.ly/OvpSH

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799