What can Canadians do to manage the labour shortage that the census suggests is looming?

Question

What can Canadians do to manage the labour shortage that the census suggests is looming?

Answer 1

Get the canadian government to put in place free college education for everyone.

Answer 2

Yes, there is a labour shortage. But, there's also MANY Canadians that would be more than willing to work. What there is is a lack of affordable training. I would gladly work as an electrician or millwright, but the cost of that education is staggering. For the time it takes to become an electrician, you can look at $10,000+ in costs. Millwright is half that. On the wages offered today, who can afford that? Instead of importing foreign nationals to do the job for us, why doesn't the government make training more affordable, or assist in training for those who desire to work? I personally would jump at the chance to be re-trained and land a well paying job. I know that the ONR is begging for millwrights and electricians. But, there's a shortage. I would gladly go work there. But, I lack the training. And, it's not something that can be learned on the job.

The government should stop the affirmative action based training subsidies and start training anyone who wants to learn and work. Colour and sex should have nothing to do with work. It should be who's best suited and who wants to work.

Answer 3

The solution SHOULD not involve more "growth." It is time to start scaling back. It is high time we start to plan for a future where there will be LESS population, LESS cars, LESS houses, and LESS resources.



VV

Answer 4

how about making education free!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

MAKE BABIES! or produce legions of 'androids' to work in all aspects of industry. Freeing humans up to be 'retired' long before old age and the usual retirement ages. or work on a treatment to keep those who are willing, in their 30s (or what ever age they'll prefer) for the equivalent of several life times. or perhaps a combination of all 3!

Answer 6

How come there is a labour shortage when people are still desperate to find a job and many positions don't pay much? Besides, this idea about getting the "Canadian experiece" sounds very strange to me. It doesn't make nay sense. Wake up, Canada, you are a country of immigrants, how do you expect people to start working when they have just arrived and obviously don't have any "Canadian experiece"? This is also why most people don't get to do what they specialized and trained for in their country of origin. What a waste of skills and resources! If this shortage is real, maybe the hiring system should be changed. Start looking at people's resumes and give them a chance. There is a probation period, anyway. And anybody can be put to a test!

Answer 7

Stop discrimination against people in their 40s and 50s. Here in the west there has been a noticeable problem when it comes to hiring people. The organizations want only younger people and refuse to hire men or women in their 40s & 50s. There is definitely an issue of equality and age discrimination that is going unnoticed.

Answer 8

Canada's various professional assocations (medical, engineers, etc) need to stop blocking the recognition of foreign credentials.



Citizenship and Immigration Canada continues to attract thousands of "economic" immigrants every year to fill many of these staffing shortages, but once they come to Canada the professional associations tell them that their degrees and professional certifications aren't good enough and they have to retrain here in Canada.



Once the professional associations stop this blatant discrimination and xenophobia, many of this country's professional staffing shortages will be at an end.



That's my two cents.

Answer 9

I am a baby boomer. I've been working for nearly 40 years now. I am not going to keep on working just because there is a labour shortage. Those of us who have paid our dues in the workforce are entitled to retire when we please and, I for one, will.

This labour shortage has been forseen for many years now and nothing has been done to address it. Deal with it.

Also, if skilled older workers like myself were treated with more respect and consideration by employers and younger co-workers we might stick around a little longer.

Answer 10

there are a lot of young people out there not working, put them to work, dont look at unempolyment numbers look at welfare, i know 13 people who live near me, who are under 40, and able to work but are too bloody lazy to work, they think they are worth more than they are, and welfare is keeping them, i'm not talking seasonal workers because they are needed, there are a number of jobs that have to have seasonal workers, i'm talking about those that have not worked in three of four years or more because wefare gives them enough to live on and then they go to the woods and make a bit of extra cash, don't try to keep the guy who is 65 still working let him have a retirement, he has worked for it, get the lazy bums working.

Answer 11

I work in a province where worker shortages lives larger than life. I'm not too sure I know the answer either, but I do think I know what is not the answer. Temperary foriegn workers! I have heard the government again and again say they will start letting in temperary workers. The are many draw backs.

1. We have some of the safest work site in the worrld, because we have taught it as a way of life for the last 30 years you don't learn this over night. We already had workers from China killed on our construction sites last year.

2. If you are only temperary how much money are you going to send here, most of the money will leave the country to support families back home. Our economy work because of the trickle down effect. I make money and send it locally.

3. These people will still use our WCB, Hospitals, and many other social programs and we will be paying for it long after they go back home.



These are just a few reasons I am sure there are many others. Maybe being this country was built on immigrants we should loosen the rule of immigration for skilled works in areas we are facing shortages

Answer 12

This shortage that is being talked about is something that won't happen for another 10 - 15 years. That being said, if we were to do some things NOW we can nip this in the bud before it even becomes a REAL problem. Like:



Another thing that's been mentioned time and again is to provide subsidies for "larger" families. Entice families to be larger than the average 2.4 children. The CCTB right now is good, but after 2 children, you get the shaft and the more you have the less you get.



With larger families, the government will be able to receive more in taxes after the baby boomers have retired because there is now a fresh "crop" of workers in the work force. The government will take a hit now, but they will more than make up for it in the future.



Stop or ease up on the whole 3-5 years experience required. A person that is actually able to afford to attend university and get the degree that in need is still not able to get the job that they want because of the experience that is required for a lot of jobs. Too many people are graduating from University with degrees and end up working in a call center making car or hotel reservations.

Answer 13

How about trimming the fat out of all the government jobs. 1/2 of the overpaid, underworked lazy pencil pushers can go, they'll fill your supposed gap.

Immigration is not the answer... everyone that sees an immigrant working away at a job, doing a good job and working hard... not knocking them, they don't see the family of 8 back home all crammed into the apartment, not working and taxing our health care, all the while they're happy with all the money because it's so much more than they had at home. Opening up more immigration won't up the workers, it will lower the numbers, and only raise the population while shrinking the tax base! Look at this c&p from another forum discussing immigration:

(name of forum & poster withheld)



I am new here and i am glad i have found a place where i can post all of my frustrations (sorry) and the injustice i feel.

Namely i came to Canada (Toronto) 2006 from Macedonia (Ex Yu) for professional development in my teacher's career and also visiting my Godmother. I had visited Canada in 1997 so i had some idea what it is like and on that occasion i had met my husband, who never married nor did i , so this time we decided to be together and get married.

It is now 1,5 years and i am STILL waiting for their decision as they said they will inform me until July! In the meantime i am not allowed to work, nor study nor have any health inusurance, but i do volunteer all this time and have had a chance to view and see all this injustice. I am only asking to work, not welfare as most of them do!!!!

I used to live in Australia for some 10 years and i am considered as a native english speaker, I grew up there. I also worked in an American International Highschool as a social science teacher and have vast experience.

Yet i don;t understand the immigartion policies and why some marriages are checked and some are not , especially people from the third world countries. I get really angry when while volunteeringly teaching some of them (actually most of them "use" the benfits of FREE english classes and programs, i have no met a European that attends these and i simply do not know why, i guess they all work! Whereas these immigrants are mostly on welfare, some work for cash, have 3,4 children, after 5,6,7 years are STILL learning english and act is if they own the country.

I knew and read that Canada is "multicultural" , but i never knew i would come upon such a scenery, especaially in North York where i live i cannot see a white person, This is totally disgusting as what i see makes me fall into a depression, I did not stay here to be in India or Somalia yet i fell like i am there. I am now forced to use the bus as i have no work yet and i cannot beleive my eyes of what has become of Canada.

I thought that it is "british" a former dominion of Great Britain, yet i feel it is not so! White people have become distinct here!

Everyday i witness the lack of culture these people have and their attitude, plazas and streets dirty from their filth, crime, a lack of security, drugs and prostitution.

This is all a result of allowing so many of those uneducated people to enter and multiply.

I am sorry i feel this way, i never was a racist really, i also taught world cultures and was proud to know about the World and ancient civilizations, but this is beyond my imagination and expectation.

I did not beleive that this government has a specific attitude towards me, only because i am white, have education and experience and am geniunly married!

Answer 14

The predicted shortage of qualified workers can be addressed by the following measures :



1. Older workers should be treated as assets, not people who should be sent to the retirement home. We are losing out on a wealth of experience that can be passed on to younger workers. By being more flexible in work schedules, paying a salary that reflects their value, and recognizing them as an asset, many valuable older workers will remain in the workforce.



2. Many of the types of jobs that go unfilled do not pay a decent salary, lack benefits, and demand work schedules that are detrimental to family life. Companies need to step up to the plate and offer attractive work opportunities. There are many companies that never have a shortage of employees, as a matter of fact, they are turning away applicants, while others are always complaining that there is a shortage of workers. The differences are usually the above, pay, benefits, and a flexible work schedule.



3. Subsidize Canadian Workers. Some companies are spending large amounts of money recruiting employees from overseas. They subsidize their travel, find them housing, pay excellent salaries, and offer training programs to acclimatize to living in Canada. Those same opportuities and benefits are not being offered to workers in Canada. Treat Canadian workers the same way and you can improve an existing workforce with less cost.



4.Training, Training, and Re-Training. If you want better employees, in this changing economy, companies have to continually train their staff. Failure to do so, leaves companies without the expertise they need.



5. Stop Shipping Jobs Overseas. The good jobs will allways be filled. If you strip the economy of the best jobs, and leave the low paying ones behind, you will have a shortage of workers willing to take those jobs. When you hear a company or an industry say they cannot get workers, what they are really saying is "we cannot attract workers to take these jobs for the low pay we offer, the lack of benefits, and the poor working conditions" Fix those three components and the jobs will be filled. Just because someone in another part of the world will take the jobs under those conditions, does not mean we should expect Canadians to do so. As someone said, "We are better than that"



The universities in Canada have had a tremendous increase in students. The obvious reason is young people realize that an education (training) is very important, but it also reflects that many students are returning to school rather than take the poor pay that is offered to many university graduates. It used to be that a University degree guaranteed a good job, now a secondary degree is required. Why, many good jobs are out-sourced to other countries or they are taken by workers from other countries that are willing to work for less.



I would pit Canadian workers against anyone in the world for expertise, hard work, and productivity. We should expect them to compete against workers on salary alone. "We are better than that"

Answer 15

I don't think people are clear on the scope of this problem; it is not a matter of lazy bums on welfare the labour shortage is calculated on the basis of the number of people in existence. Immigration can help but the services to deal with the immigrants aren't there now and we lack the resources to integrate immigrants into Canadian society. Also the birthrate is falling in almost all countries and is below replacement in many. we cannot count on immigration much longer as many of these countries are developing economically now and there are opportunities for their citizens there. Automation is a solution but it doesn't really adress the fundamental problem that the candian birthrate is low enough we would be getting considerably less numerous if it wasn't for immigartion. Although some people believe in reversing population/growth or "sustainable" it has already gotten to the point that further population growth has stopped except for immigration and the true problem is how we will stop Canadians from eventually getting old and dying off in dangerous numbers. There are good arguments for a smaller population in canada and the world but how to do so without major social problems is unclear nor with the current trend lead to anything but disaster.

Answer 16

I see a lot of people talking about immigrants and honestly I think there is a good work force being under utilized that are Canadian born and raised.



I have a University degree and cannot find a career that would utilize it. The only jobs that I have gotten offers from are low paying retail positions working for .75 cents less an hour than the teenagers working at a fast food place. Meanwhile, the exchange students that I have made friends with in university have all gotten really great professional careers, so explain to me why I can't find one of these jobs?



My mother has her nurse training and wants to renew her RN, but to do so she needs to have more training than it took her to get the original designation. She graduated in the top 98% of all nursing students in Canada her graduating year. All we hear about is the nursing shortage which is frustrating to my mother because she has all the training, she's kept up on the medical changes and all she wants to do is help fill that void. Instead immigrants who are coming here, who she is working with, only need to take the exam to pass the RN instead of the 3 yr training. Honestly let her take the exam, do some clinicals and send her on her way!



I think that the problem lies with employer thinking when it comes to hiring people: you don't always need to be an immigrant to need a chance.

Answer 17

Very valid question. An aging population and labour shortage is looming at the same time Aboriginals are the fastest growing demographic in Canada.



Capitalize on this human resource. The First Nations (including Metis & Inuit) need increased accessibility to programs which will foster employability. Set as many up for success as possible so they can make further positive contributions within their own communities and a society they are part of.



Increase Education Grants to assist with Tuition & Living Costs so attending College/University is more economically viable. Offer better incentives to all Youth who require education and training. Open more doors to the Semi-retired/soon to Retire who are experienced workers and can offer expertise and job coaching on a part-time basis or full time for another few years. Value their knowledge and "sweeten the pot" so remaining in the labour force is an attractive option.

Answer 18

This is absolute ********. I have to agree with the other person posting regarding the business sector trying to squeeze more dollars out of the Government. I recently graduated from college last spring and I still don't have full-time employment. So to everyone that says we're having all these "labour shortages" can kiss my ***.



Now some of you may be thinking this guy is obviously an idiot and the language/attitude is clearly why he doesn't have a job.



But the reality of my situation is that I took a Business Management course, was highly active as a volunteer as well as in my community. My grades weren't astounding but they were something to be proud of.



I believe that a PAID office/trades apprenticeship would be the best idea and have the baby-boomers tutor the youth and future of Canada. I do also believe there should be more grants for students to attend College/University so that is affordable for everyone and that tuition not be a cash cow for institutions. As well as grants made available for College/University graduates to continue their education.



Immigration doesn't solve every problem like so many people seem to think it does. I think the immigration in this country is disgusting. MANY people deserve to be here, but MANY do not. So many companies are catering to consumers that cannot speak the English language which is absolutely atrocious. So instead of having people that speak English they have people that can speak all these different languages and limiting the workforce even further. We have 2 official languages in Canada people HAVE to learn how to speak at least one of them.



my 2 cents...if there are jobs out there where the hell are they posted?



And yes I know about the hidden job market....

Answer 19

Also the birthrate is falling in almost all countries and is below replacement in many. we cannot count on immigration much longer as many of these countries are developing economically now and there are opportunities for their citizens there. Automation is a solution but it doesn't really adress the fundamental problem that the candian birthrate is low enough we would be getting considerably less numerous if it wasn't for immigartion. Although some people believe in reversing population/growth or "sustainable" it has already gotten to the point that further population growth has stopped except for immigration and the true problem is how we will stop Canadians from eventually getting old and dying off in dangerous numbers. There are good arguments for a smaller population in canada and the world but how to do so without major social problems is unclear nor with the current trend lead to anything but disaster.

Answer 20

The staff shortage has already occurred. look to the medical field where hospital have to close beds and staff morale is zero because no one can have vacation days because of lack of available staff. Or you can look at all the for hire signs along your drive to work.

A simple solution - to pay off student loans if workers will sign on for 2-3 years contracts ( most buy homes, get married and settle in those areas). This may also inspire some people to further their education in a variety of fields.

Another solution - mentor-ship programs allowing people in the field (or those thinking of joining a field) to do a 6 month to a year fellowship. These retirees' have a massive amount of knowledge and experience that people new to (or just starting ) the field would apappreciateciate.

Work/school based programs - where industry and schools work together in the area so that not only will the industry get better or more experience/educated workers but workers will be able to pay bills and still further education, experience and seniority.

Also - Decreasing hours of pre-retirees (giving more time to develop the areas of retirement they would like to start focusing on but not affecting pensions) and slowly introducting new staff to the job.

And the biggest thing to do is advertise not just the jobs, field or career choices but the industry and businesses looking for them now with these types of programs in place.

Answer 21

I don't know where all this labour shortage talk is coming from. I work in the industrial sector as a union carpenter. I know for a fact that while our province (NB) is crying that there isn't enough workers, there are many brothers and sisters out of work. We have a huge LNG project happening, and it was supposed to bring jobs to this province, instead the contract was granted to a Quebec contractor, and 85% of the workers are French. The only reason that all this BS about shortage of workers is going on is because big business doesn't want to pay people a decent wage and give them benefits to support them in their future. They would rather say the workforce isn't there so they can use the excuse to bring Mexicans and other foreigners into our country to work for cheap labour. It's going to happen people unless we step up and do something to stop it.

Answer 22

Hang on! There may a be a slight shortage at the moment, but as the economy in the U.S. dwindles, and it will continue, Canada will follow with more layoffs in the logging industry and other related industries. The problem will correct itself as more jobs are lost and people all over North America will be looking for work. I think a lot of companies are jumping the gun by attracting people from all over the world to try and fill these temporary voids. With house prices being so high and wages comparatively low, Company loyalty has diminished. The general perspective of the labour shortage may be somewhat false. People find it easy to move from one job to another even for a small wage difference. If wages increased substantially for the average person, the shortage wouldn't appear as intense. There will be a large scale crash when this sub prime and interest rate cuts are finished leaving most people with a false sense of security and buying power. Many houses, cars and other assets will be lost with most North Americans mortgaged to the hilt!

Answer 23

the labour structure in Canada is utterly stupid, all of these defending so called national values and loosing the badly needed fresh immigrants is one point. for what the country invites immigrants when they must spend their own money to come, to go through the moneymaking procedure just spending and do not recognising their values meanwhile those values are badly needed, do not call welfare the cost to get established an immigrant, and the picture changes, it is a price well worth, make a real selection at the boarder for real values, anybody ever asked the question how much the immigration generates by loosing the good immigrants, I think nobody ever asked this question...the babyboomers are going out and pushed out, the experience down into the drain and the education is scary when a newly graduated is hovering over the reality and can not resolve a routine task, it is bad, starting the life with a bad debt to have all of these kind of brainfills, which are devaluating themselves in less than 5 years, the debt goes on for 20, society needs strong youth pay for it, there is enough surplus goes by the drain to have nothing for in return, Canada can not make a minimum education in highschool level? is it so cheap or is it so stupid ???? we are in XXIst century AC and not BC in short other grow up countries have minimum university required for daily life and here we talk about primary drop outs...when the youth has no interest in the society the society is lost and it is dead, wake up now or sleep away without the pills

Answer 24

labour shortage... really? maybe in some sectors that are booming, but such problems are as old as time. I have a PhD in biochemistry and will likely be forced out of Canada. The last job I applied for had 417 qualified applicants with PhDs. Canada does not favour their own and so the US, Asia and Europe are looking like riper markets now. There may be a labour shortage in some skilled trades, but that is less about the babyboom generation than it is about a social change in which such jobs are frowned upon as not requiring an education. Its a shame as such work is hard work, pays well and I know a lot of great people making good careers out of being trasdesmen.

Answer 25

I don't understand what the big crisis is regarding job shortages due to the aging population. As a student nearing graduation from a university, the crisis for my generation IS job shortage. All of my colleagues, friends, family have struggled to get job placement after graduation. Higher education has been stressed, but apparently this is not good enough either to get a decent job in Canada. With the aging population moving out into retirement, the jobs should be shifting around allowing more placement opportunities for entry level jobs. I have yet to experience, hear about, or witness this. There are numerous qualified people out there in all age ranges that are still jobless or have a job that does not allow them to display their full potential. I suggest companies to work closely with universities, colleges, community centres as potential recruitment tactics.

Answer 26

First I would like to assure all readers that living on welfare doesn't include big screen televisions and beer for a lot of Canadians. I personally grow up having a single mom on welfare and the one television in my house was by no means big. Not that it did us much good since we could often not afford cable never mind the cost of living.



Second we can't solve Canada's work force problems by simply letting more people in or recognizing there education in foreign countries. We should be more focused on getting young minds full of potential to move to Canada so that they can educate themselves here.We do and excellent job in getting high school students from foreign countries, however a lot of them go back to there Canada and stay, and someone who is drafted right after they finish high school is probably not a good choice. I have nothing against there people but they are likely to leave. The advantages are simple, we know they are educated to our standards. They will also enter the work force younger then those pre-trained immigrants who come to Canada and must re-train. This leads to several more years of them being in the work force and less cost for them. This plan would require more universities to be opened, so as to not hinder Canadian youth. This is an expensive plan but one that would best serve us for now and the future.

Answer 27

This is a situation that will only become more and more of an issue in the years to come. It is time the Canadian government started looking long term in its solutions. Immigration is an excellent idea, and I fully agree that we should stop putting barriers in place to those educated individuals who wish to work in their career of choice. I know it would help with the physician shortage we have here in the Maritimes. I also think the parental leave for new parents should be extended to encourage more people to have children. Also, take a hint from Quebec and give those new parents more financial incentive to have children. I know alot of people my age (30 years old) that have decided not to have children. Who is going to support the country in the future if the child-bearing population now sees it as too expensive to bring up a child? We need to look at the aging population issue more holistically.

Answer 28

It would be nice if people that are hiring weren't so detailed on all the wants and must haves in job applications.



Not everyone has 5 years experience in that job. They could be missing out on getting great employees because they are not willing to give newcomers a chance.



What about older people, on the tail end of the boom like myself that never got anywhere before due to no room, education too costly, or took the education, went into debt and then no jobs available.



I thought that with the need for employees that this might change. It only seems to have changed in the burger flipping jobs there are lots of those available.



And to those that think forced retirement is a good idea: Not all people at that age can afford retirement. Just because they are older doesn't mean they are rich. My mother is one of those, she is going to have to sell her home because she can no longer afford taxes, and fees the municipality is forcing on her. How sad this governement if.

Answer 29

Where exactly are there job shortages? As a 20-something year old with a post-secondary education, i'm still looking for a job that offers job security. Because i lack in experience with my chosen profession no one is willing to hire me. After spending thousands on my education, i expect a job that pays a little more than minimum wage. I know i'm not the only one with this problem. So this is my question: if all these boomers are retiring, where are their jobs going and to who?



Surprisingly, i worked at a place a few yrs. back where 3 people retired at about the same time however there was no posting and no one was ever promoted. Downsizing, go figure. As far as i'm concerned, all of this job-shortages crisis is a load of crap. Our labour market won't be affected by baby boomers retiring, if anything there will be more jobs cut to "balance" everything out so that the rich man can get richer.

Answer 30

This is too funny. After years of having their own way, corporations may actually have to pay people decent wages and offer good working conditions. They have been screwing everybody over for so long they think it's their right.



There can't possibly be a labour shortage. They are sending all the work off shore. There must be enough people in China to make everything we need. Then we wouldn't have to work at all. Just let us all stay home and send us your bloated profits.

Answer 31

There is no quick solution to this issue. Anyone who has worked close to industries that require Technician or Skilled trade type personel, know how hard it is to find these people. It's been like this for the last 10 or more years. The Education system and parents seem to be focused on sending kids to Univercity's. When the kids could get an equal or better paid job in the trades. Hands up who knows someone with a degree that drives fork lifts or deliver pizza for a living. You would be suprised

Answer 32

Dear readers, first of all there is no looming job shortage. It's quite the opposite. We (Canada and the US) are facing a huge unemployment crisis due to the unsustainable plant closures in the manufacturing sector. These jobs are not comming back. Companies are not setting up shop here anymore, they are setting up shop in countries that pay 1-2$ per hour. This is becomming a political issue in the US elections and I hope that it also becomes a political issue here too. This is the single biggest issue that Canadians will face in the next 20 years, bigger that security, health etc. No jobs in manufacturing means no money for jobs that are paid for by taxpayers like teachers, police, fireman, health care workers and so on.

Answer 33

Being a nursing student, I am aware of one of the major shortages of workers is within the health care field. Not only is education expensive in health care, it is also difficult and unrewarding. I know many students that were turned away because they couldnt afford tuition or because the school was too overcrowded, class sizes had reached capacity. I have around 20 grand in debt already for tuition costs. Also after school is over, jobs are given to those who are paid less, such as care aides who lack clinical knowledge. More qualified workers go elsewhere because they get paid better in other nations, such as America. Something needs to be done to ensure students have stable, full time work that is desirable after school is over, lower tuition and put money into universities to increase the labour force, specifically in the health care profession. Because it is the younger generations of nurses and physicians and other health care workers that will be caring for the aging population. A shortage and increased demand in workers is going to cause a lot of problems for us in the future. Also the idea that money can be saved by the diminished labour force is a dangerous notion, one that will deter employees.



Also, baby boomers began work in a time where jobs where scarce, and competetion for jobs was high. They still may have learned traits that the younger generations are seen as potential competitors, here to steal their jobs that they tried so hard to obtain in the past. Therefore in their threatened state, treat us like garbage and dont invest time and energy into training or orientating us. I found this so far in my profession. It is usually the older nurses that are extremely hard on us young students and dont take the time to show us around, take us under their wing. Is it because they see us as a threat? Thats just my theory. Im not trying to offend any baby boomers here Im just talking from experience.

Answer 34

I'd like to make a comment about Canada and in general it's labour market. The gentlemen below me said that the youth are lazy, while there is some truth in that, it's not exactly correct either. To solve this problem corporate Canada needs to get it's act in order and stop thinking so conservatively and start hiring people and this begins with firing most HR departments and hiring HR staff who are qualify to do the job. I'm well educated (been in Canada all my life virtually) hold an MBA worked in investment banking but i can also tell you it's been very difficult or me to find a job here. I've dealt with so many incompetent recruiters and HR that it's just not funny (where some have asked me if i have and MBA despite the fact that i put on my CV Masters of Business Admin instead...image that) and no I'm not lazy and yes i do want a job but i can tell you corporate Canada is so unfriendly to skilled, well educated, and hardworking people that it forces them to look elsewhere. Fortunate for me, I've recently obtain my green card in the US so that forces me to go down there in search of employment. I guess Canada is in many ways responsible for the brain drain that happens in this country and can only blame itself for the shortage of qualified people.

Answer 35

What job shortage? We've been hearing about it for years. Employers wants people already experienced, the want to steal the concurrence's employees. I've been intensively looking for a Transportation or International job for over a year now. They're telling me I doesn't have enough experience, but no one wants to give me a chance. I'm looking for a junior position. I'm perfectly bilingual and knows many softwares, I have an undergraduate college diploma in Transportation Logistics, although I've been told many employers considers it an incomplete diploma. I've paid for a course in International Commerce, I'm willing to learn Spanish too and pay for the course myself. Still no offer. I'm willing to work weekends or evenings too. Now I'm on Welfare and some months I can barely afford the bus fare. I know many people able and willing to work who aren't hired because of a lack of experience or some other stupid excuses. So when I hear about the supposed "labor shortage", it pains me.

Answer 36

Hi, my name is Jeff and I work doing delivery for Canada Post. I would consider myself to be underachieving. I'm 43, and would consider doing a more challenging job but I have a guaranteed wage and a pension when I retire. If companies and governments are serious about addressing this shortage of workers then they should be prepared to make someone like me an offer of a big raise (currently 50,000 per year) within 3 years and to take over my pension plan and benefits. Did I mention I'll be getting a sixth week of paid vacation per year soon? that is very much an issue also.

Answer 37

This is a difficult question with no simple answers. We certainly need to increase immigration, recognize more foreign degrees, replace student loans with free access to colleges and universities...like Ireland. I know many compatriots who are also boomers who do not want to retire....maybe retire from the job they have, but pursue other ventures. We also need real universal child care, not a $100 per month handout from Harper that does little for those who cannot afford the high cost of child care. The reality of welfare recipients and homeless are even more complex. As a welfare worker who has a caseload of disabled persons...I can attest that most people on welfare are not lazy, the main problem is that the majority are disabled, mentally ill, and addicts (most addicts are also suffering from some degree of mental illness)....I know of none who have big screen TV sets or can afford to sit at home and drink beer. Not on what they receive in BC. Another factor with welfare recipients is that they are often poorly educated...thee needs to be a program to move those that can into training for skilled trades. The problem is huge, and we need to stop slagging the less fortunate and making them the scapegoats for bad government policy.

Answer 38

I don't see any shortage of workers, what I see is too many low-paying jobs with crappy hours and poor (or no) benefits.

I also see a LOT of people age 40+ unemployed or under-employed and desperately searching for a job that will pay the bills where they don't have to work evenings and weekends.

Personally I have a Master's Degree in Computer Science and 25 years of experience, and I have been unable to find a decent job during 6 months of searching. A woman I know well can't find any kind of job anywhere because she is 45 and is no longer slim and pretty, recently divorced, with very little employment experience (nobody is willing to train her, even for simple retail work). Another woman, also 45 and not slim, is in a low-paying job where even with 15+ years of experience and seniority, they keep threatening to not renew her contract every year.

I know dozens of mature people attempting to start up their own self-employed business because they can't find a decent job anywhere, mostly due to age discrimination.

The answers are (a) give people a chance, even if they are a bit short on experience (b) more jobs with decent pay and hours and benefits are needed.

Answer 39

Trouble with immigrants is that many come here, make lots of money and then leave. They don't invest in this country at all. 3 Indian ladies at my office are doing this. And they're not hiding that fact either.



Canada needs to invest in its own people. Many Canadians, like my 32yr old ex GF, have no education yet she'd be more than willing to put in the work if she could even afford the education.



There's plenty of available people in Canada. Why not educate them, move them up into those spots vacated by the boomers instead of importing skills from elsewhere, who'll probably exit once they've attained their goals?



After all, these people are already well suited to compete against the immigrants. For one thing: THEY SPEAK ENGLISH (or French) !!!



I'm not saying we should close the doors to immigrants, I'm saying that we should invest in our own citizens first before we import more from elsewhere. Once we run out of local people, then we'll need to looks elsewhere.



And this type of attitude will solve lots of other problems aswell. Keep people occupied and violence will drop. Welfare will drop as well. GDP will go up. Average personal net worth will go up and so on.

Answer 40

It amazes me that policy makers don't see the obvious opportunity that this situation allows.



If Canada follows through with its' Kyoto obligations, we are told, time and time again, that the impact of doing so will affect the economy and create high unemployment.



If that's the case, why not full fill our obligations to coincide with a future worker shortage. For the most part, it is conceivable that the two situations will cancel each other out (to some degree).



GDP will decrease, but Canadians will still have jobs.

Answer 41

Employers need to be more flexible. It takes up to a year and a half to fill some Government of Canada postings, for example. How many people want to wait that long to get hired?



Then there is the problem of employers who only hire experienced employees. Someone, somewhere, has to be the first to hire a newly trained worker.



Job requirements for hard-to-fill positions are often almost impossible to meet. For the RCMP, for example, you need to be in excellent physical shape, have no criminal record, have a clean driving record, have essentially no chronic illnesses, and have near-perfect vision. Vision requirements for police officers, firefighters etc. are generally stricter in Canada than they are in the UK or the US. Departments could offer half the cost of laser surgery, say, to candidates who would otherwise be suitable, but whose vision is less than the typical cutoff of 20/40.



Finally, employers continue to insist on workers' commuting to their central locations rather than telework. Commuting is aggravating, time-consuming and expensive, and causes greenhouse gases. Why not let more clerical workers do their desk job from home? How are the young supposed to have and raise the children who will work in the future when they are stuck in traffic 2-3 hours a day?



These are just some of the many ways Canada's employers have been slow to respond to the needs of workers.

Answer 42

Is it all of Canada, or just some Provinces? Ontario does not seem to be suffering from a "looming" labour shortage. All around me I see young professionals (mostly immigrants) who are either unemployed or under-employed (I am one of those persons).



I am told Canada is looking to immigrants (or may be looking to immigrants) to fill the gap. Someone need to tell them where the jobs are before they come; a lot of immigrants are losing hope. We come well educated, highly skilled and experienced, only to have doors shut in our faces time and time again.



If all some persons or organizations have to offer/want to offer immigrants are jobs which require little or no skill, and certainly not a University Degree, then why is it that the application process for residency is best suited to professionals?



So before you go looking for more immigrants to come and join the already disenfranchised and disillusioned crowd, someone need to do an assessment or report (something which government agencies love to do), and find out what has happended to the thousands of professionals who immigrate to this country every year - and then maybe, they can be provided meaninful employment.



Immigrants are not looking for an easy way out, just a chance to follow their dream, which led then to Canada.

Answer 43

I don't see particular problem in an open labour market. It is actually about time the baby boomers stop saturating the market and let in fresh blood. Baby boomers have, the majority, acummulated a large amount of debt and as a result have not been able to retire at a normal age. Baby boomers also often enough blame everyone else, generational, race, cultures, welfare etc. for the problems they have themselves created for themselves. There is no black and white solution here and the "problem" can only benefit labour.

Answer 44

Let us face it!

Historically, an open door immigration and integration policy and practise has been The key element in ensuring a healthy growing economy for an immigrant dependent country like Canada. If not of The millions of immigrants from Europe, in The 19th and 20th century who were given the opportunity to realize their potentials, Canada would not have grown as an advanced economy today. The answer is still the same: Canada needs to open more doors to the new growing sources of immigrants from populous Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. But that is not enough, those newcomers, who are now the main source of the Canadian population growth( Census 2006), need to be accepted as equal fellow Canadians in our schools, communities, and workplaces.

Let us face it!

We need to educate our policy makers, employers, community leaders, and first of all ourselves and our children that, the road to prosperity and progress in today's world starts with equal opportunities for all!

Let us stop discrimination, Let us eliminate racism!

Answer 45

We need to start training the younger workforce properly using some of the older methods such as a proper apprenticeship and not these 6 month magic cures that they came up with at community colleges. Also should we need to continue taking in immigrants lets ensure that they can speak our language rather than having to spend money to learn them the languages of our country and subsidizing them whilst doing so. To many people see Canada as the land of golden opportunity which does not necessarily include full time work in the work force.

Answer 46

This is also why most people don't get to do what they specialized and trained for in their country of origin. What a waste of skills and resources! If this shortage is real, maybe the hiring system should be changed. Start looking at people's resumes and give them a chance. There is a probation period, anyway. And anybody can be put to a test!

Answer 47

Have babies! All immigrants coming to Canada have 3 and more children. If you're pregnant and don't want it, give it up for adoption. There are many people waiting in line to receive a baby they'll love and take care of! Canadian babies are being wiped out with abortion! Abortion is KILLING Canadian babies! Hence the shortage of people to enter the workforce! This great nation is dying off!

C'mon! Do your homework! Research!

Answer 48

HRDC (EI) are the gate keepers of all the money taken from our paychecks in the name of employment insurance.

They have consistantly taken more than they pay out (only 33% of those who pay into the fund will qualify for employment Insurance)

The difference builds up into a surplus in the Billions which the Liberal Government under Paul Martin misappropriated into general revenue (7 billion in 1998) so he could show a "Balanced budget" to the voters (The UN even chastized the librerals for this). The 2 Billion spent on gun control would have paid a lot of tuition across Canada..

Such wastefullness...

With money like this more opportuities could be offered to the youth of our nation to enable them to L-earn the skills we will all need once the juggernaut of attrition hits our economy.

Our youth are looking for ways into our schools; lets give them a hand up!

It's time the goverment return this funding so our youth will get the training and experience to be ready to serve our country when this era comes... and it will...

Answer 49

When I was growing up in the seventies "experts" were predicting that robots would reduce the amount of work needed to be done and as a result, workers would find in difficult to figuring out what to do with their "leisure" time. Some might remember the "leisure suit" was created in the seventies.

Robots, of course, did reduce the amount of work but the resulting "leisure" was actually just unemployment. I've spent my adult working life (20+ years) working at jobs that became redundant either through technological or economic restructuring. This is great for business as it provides a cheap pool of labour to exploit.

All of which makes me rather sceptical of these latest predictions of labour shortages. I believe governments and businesses are worried about how they are going to cope with the ageing "baby boomer" generation's retirement and health care costs. They are concerned that this cheap labour pool will dry up and they will need to provide improved wages and benefits to workers.

If the government was actually concerned about this issue they would actually expand EI eligibility (which is about 25%) for unemployed and underemployed for retraining.

Answer 50

I agree with Robin F. Many people are on welfare and can actually work. Also maybe for the working class, they should get better salaries and pay less taxes. When you get more pay, you pay more taxes and that in general is fine but when you reach a certain income you pay more taxes and aren't allowed the economic aid the government gives for children. So the bottom line is that at the end of the year, a person that makes 65,000 get the same amount after deductions and all the rest, than one that makes 40,000. Go figure. Meanwhile, we let perfectly healthy people be on welfare. I know that not everyone is abusing the system but I also know that many people take advantage of it. I think that if you're healthy, you should work... period.

Answer 51

The problem is there is too many old farts still in the workforce making it hard for younger people to get better paying jobs or any jobs at all. The problem will solve itself as soon as we get the old farts out of the job market and have them stop hogging all the good paying jobs.



I mean, when you have people over 60 still working because they are bored and don't know what to do with themselves, well too F'in bad, get outta the workforce and let us younger people move up and have a life.

Answer 52

Increasing immigration more is not the best solution.

Yes, lots of immigrants are educated but not always up to Canadian standards. There is a reason their education is not recognized here. Everyone has the option to continue or upgrade their education in Canada.

As for now, we are not suffering. It's not easy to find a job, especially one that pays well. I agree with the comment about all the unemployed, fully able young people and adults, that should get off their butts and work towards a career they enjoy.

I agree that more immigrants COULD help but i think in the long run it would cause more problems than anything.

Answer 53

The press is looming with negative reports rather than focusing on positive views about the economy and the workforce based on the recent headlines. Older people are being targeted judging by the pictures and news. There should be more emphasis on helping the youth today to enable these group to be self-sufficient and more independent. Churches are good role-models on providing the younger crowd to be better examples in this society.

Let us focus more our energy to teach the youth to be productive and be more knowledgeable in the schools and in their chosen careers. Meanwhile, seniors, comparatively speaking are more adaptable to anything that interest them.

Youth must be nurtured to maturity and beyond.

Answer 54

Results are vaguely presented because none of reports are specifying how data was collected, shortage per occupational category, industries etc. should be in comparison with future industries i.e: how many new places will be created in mining/oil/gas, what categories, salary range, distribution per category etc.



In several years, Manufacturing Industry will be transferred and people can be re-trained (long and short term training depending on jobs opportunities) to cover industries that will be missing human resources.



Re-train young people who are looking for jobs and can not find, and pay them well to be motivated to work and to learn.



None of the immigrants who are passing "examination" should be allowed to work under their expertise. Canada is loosing resources and makes no use of human intelligence. Moreover, productivity is decreased due to lack of motivation.



Just some thoughts!!!

Answer 55

I usually just read these forums, but this time I was forced to respond to a comment someone made that I feel is VERY IGNORANT AND DISCRIMINATORY!!!!



My husband is from Africa and our sponsorship application was denied..I really hope that the school is thought is not to ban Africans from this Country..



He has more integrity in his little finger than most people have in their whole body..He is an extremely hard worker and I resent the blanket comment made that they are all lazy!!!



I am a Registered Nurse and it is sad that now I am going to leave my own Country and work in another because the Govt feels that he is not worthy to be here..I would MUCH rather be with this AFRICAN man than spend another second in a Country that has no idea what HARD WORK is..

Answer 56

The ageing population is not dated today,and the fact that Immigration process is too delayed by every embassy worldwide.If the Govt ease the process and you will see that the economy of Canada will boost up and the labour force will rejuvenate.And also be aware when processing with African countries try to be more tough,cause out of 10 only 1 is good cause worldwide they create problems and destabilize the economy of a Country I have been living in UK for nearly 10 years .What I have witness is really horrible that why I am saying this sorry for this point of view.

Answer 57

Canada wants skilled immigrants. Make it easier for them. I came to Canada to find out, that my license is not recognized here and I have to go back to school after 25 years in the trade. This is a very discouraging fact for many immigrants.

And, like in any other country , there are a lot of lazy bums milking the system. Welfare obviously keeps them going and a few little jobs "on the side". Our government should do something about it.

Answer 58

Here's an idea, allow the people coming out of university and graduate level with no experience to get a job. I know of many university graduates who cannot get a job because of a lack of experience. I mean how are we suppose to earn this experience if no one gives us a chance. These companies, corporations, and institutes what someone who they do not need to train and will be just like the retiring individual just 30 years younger. Well thats next to impossible.

Answer 59

The perceived "job" crisis may be addressed by allowing those who can work and would like to work the ability to work. No mandatory retirement. There needs to be an effective collaboration between governments-business-labour pool which focuses on continued employment attached to decreased wages and increased benefits. The longer an individual remains employed does not ensure the highest quality of programme delivery - it may as well bring well entrenched negative behaviours and lessons. Businesses will need to be flexible in not requiring "maximization" of profits at all costs. There will be need to be an emergence of moral obligations to allow those to work. Governments will need to support financially with more flexibility.

Answer 60

I think it would help if financial aid were available to Canadians for education and/or training purposes as most Canadians know the language but cannot afford to get the knowledge and experience. I feel too many Canadian dollars are spent on bring in people from outside Canada when Canadians are in need of careers. Many people from the Maritimes are seasonal workers who cannot afford to send their children to college so this is a resource to be used.

Answer 61

A little less bubble gum tv and a lot more education for the younger ones...start with a much more reasonable level of training for teachers and allow much more expert use in the classroom...???



Or...have sex and have it often...it will take 20 or so years to make a difference that way.



Another thought more emphasis on skilled trades..my phone and email is always full with head hunters..I have an academic education as well, but its the blue collar skills that pay me handsomely..we need to make beans not just have stiff white shirts counting them....

Answer 62

A few things would be required. First, people need to see children as more than just an expense. Instead, they need to see them as something that can be extremely fulfilling. There needs to be less materialism. If family sizes are shrinking, why are new houses so huge? We need to be less concerned with what things we own and how many fancy trips we go on. We spoil ourselves why we work, and pay an arm and a leg for it. The result: parents thinking that kids are too expensive to have, educate, etc.

Answer 63

We should invest in the people here. There are a tremendous amount of Aboriginal people who want jobs, but can't get them. There are many barriers to employment such as housing, racism and lack of resources. Also, the immigrants that are here need to be able to get the credentials neccessary so that they can practice their profession. We have doctors working as janitors! It is a very sad situation. How about an empowered approach? A hand up instead of a hand out.

Answer 64

the age may indicate that they are going to retire. however, many will not be able to afford to retire if they do not have a pension sufficient to live the lifestyle they are living today.

so not all retirees will retire.

as for immigrants, there has been a large amount of professional who emigrate from their countries to canada only to find that canada do not accept their profession. the association in canadian is one of protectionism and there is already a large wastage of unused talents and experience in canada that have been reduced to working in call centers because the professional syndicate prevents them from continuing the same status they were over in their country.

it's ironic because they were admitted as immigrants based on those professional designations. only that canada does not tell them they have to start at the beginning here. so many are working in restaurants, call centers and even as parking attendants or office cleaners.

as for welfare recipients. you cannot convert 3 generations of welfare recipients into hard working responsible taxpayers. why would they, when they can sit home in front of their giant screen tv and guzzle up beers then go for a drunken spree on their atv or suv.

moreover, the govt will not want to lose those votes. keeping them on welfare guarantees them to vote the existing party.

who wants to risk the new govt forcing able-bodied youths to work instead of collecting welfare.

Answer 65

Two solutions to be used in tandem: We need to start putting a lot more effort into using automation and process improvement, so as to decrease the overall need for workers in general to match the decline in available staffing. However, since human thinking will also become a key component to discovering improvements in the jobs, we will also need to put more effort into training programs and job-specific education so that we are able to make good use of the new workers. (New workers being immigrants or young adults entering the workforce.)



Ex. Instead of having 3 people manufacturing a widget, you find ways to perform the same job with 1 person using better automation and process improvement. The primary duty of the remaining worker then becomes observation, control and improvement of the process instead of repeating menial tasks. You also provide better training for the one person so they can be proficient in this and independent of management.



In the end, you have a smarter, smaller workforce who rely less on direct supervision (freeing up supervisors) and who have more fulfilling jobs (able to improve their own areas) and perform their function for less overall cost to the business as there are fewer workers who are always finding better ways of doing their tasks.

Answer 66

I totally agree with the "shrinking economy" idea. As a nation we as nationalistic peoples have the right to say aye - or nay when it comes to the future of our country. Personally I don't believe that the answer is to recognize foreign credentials, or to induce more immigration - Actually - I think that these are counter productive. I fully expect my credentials not to be recognized in any other country I go to for good reason.



As for immigration - this is a loaded topic. I myself am only second generation....but I feel strongly that Canada needs to reinforce what we feel nationally we represent. As a country we should not endorse exceptions for all walks of life and peoples of different backgrounds - these policies form a devisive society, grouping people of race and ethnicity together in their respective neighborhoods, with little to no integration. Instead - ability to integrate, socialize, amalgamate and behave as Canadians should be the focus - and then after that, and only after that, we recognize different cultures as distinct from others, but ask that all people obey the same set of rules and laws. Balance is important, as is differentiation, but more importantly, we all have to live together, and this requires the sister has the same curfew and allowance as the brother, and both are punished equally for their transgressions.

Answer 67

Allow those persons who are at today's retirement age of 55ish but who still wish to continue working or to get into the workforce after raising families/time off, to train/educate at a cheaper cost than "new" students,etc.

Have universities/colleges (many of whom are down in numbers) offer degrees that factor in *life experiences (within reason) along with other required courses.



Have post-secondary institutions set time (evenings, weekends) for adult education with modified courses that move at a faster rate due to the *above.

Answer 68

Sure there is a labour shortage, but it seems that the shortage is only west of Ontario. There aren't too many readily available jobs in Southwestern Ontario (i.e. Hamilton). Maybe if there wasn't so much red-tape and bureaucracy involved for a job that pays $9/hr. , these crummier jobs would get filled.

Answer 69

the whole system needs a revamp ... why are so many skilled Canadians depart and work in other parts of the world to pay realistic taxes to no taxes at all. Canada has all the worlds natural resources ... gold, power, water, wood, fisheries, farming, diamonds, the list goes on and especially OIL. I cant believe we pay more for gas at the pumps when we are a high Oil producing country. But the govt insists to sell out our resources, tax the hell of of true working Canadians, pay off the lazy ones not to work, and they wonder why so many professions keep leaving the country to work abroad. Then they are forced to open the doors for others to come in, which is fine but when we live in other countries abroad, we respect the culture and we respect the rules of the land of the country we are working in. Canada loses Pilots, Doctors, Engineers, and a host of other highly skilled talent that just have had enough of the double edge sword between paying some of the highest taxes yet forking out millions in programs that keep people at home and not working. I am a true Canadian, but its sad to my heart of seeing this beautiful country keep sliding away and losing its own soul.

Answer 70

I agree that continuous growth is not always the best way forward.



What's wrong with an economy being carefully managed so that it contracts.



I'm sure the environment would appreciate it. At least the country won't have to face the divisive, destructive phenomenom of mass immigration, mass housebuilding programmes and the concretification of the countryside and the reduction in quality of life that we are experiencing in the U.K.



Ok it would upset a few shareholders around the globe. Big deal.

Answer 71

2 cents, I'll give mine too since some of what I am reading ain't worth a penny!

Society as a whole has become too selfish to build relationships and make these babies. (simple answer #1) Ridiculous answer # 2, make education free?!? You want your 3 meals a day delivered too and fed to you?!

why is everyone so damn lazy and cheap these days? Myself included but I borrowed for a post secondary education, got a decent job and paid for it like you do for everything in life.

So stop free loading off your parents doing squat, get off the couch and your computer dad bought and do something you lazy f's!!

Answer 72

How about the government makes it easier for people to access post secondary education/funding!? I think it's great that we have a high number of trained immigrants, however, it's embarrassing that we don't make the effort to train our own people to fill those positions first.

I went to high school with many people that had great potential - but because of high post-secondary costs and high competition for scholarships etc, more than half of those people never had an opportunity to attend university or college. So now, their talents are being wasted away on jobs that are more suitable for untrained high school kids... It's a very sad and frustrating situation!

Answer 73

With all the forestry and manufacturing layoffs happening how about re-training these people and getting them back into the workforce. Immigration should be secondary to this. Take care of the people you have living here first then allow in some more immigrant workers.

Answer 74

With the aging population moving out into retirement, the jobs should be shifting around allowing more placement opportunities for entry level jobs. I have yet to experience, hear about, or witness this. There are numerous qualified people out there in all age ranges that are still jobless or have a job that does not allow them to display their full potential. I suggest companies to work closely with universities, colleges, community centres as potential recruitment tactics.

Answer 75

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Answer 76

Let Canadian firms recognize the skilled employees who come here in the hope of a good future and go through hell.



This is one country where they bring in immigrants and touch-ere them for job.. so much of racism in the job market. Once you are accepted on the merits from their country and once you land the system want to make money for the education system of Canada. and has no value for any education they bring inn. What Canada is not recognizing is the fact that once people come here and study there is US market who would want to hire them with better pay and quality of life.



This could be the only country in the world where you can find doctors , engineers etc.. doing odd jobs.



Try and recognize the people for what they are and not in their colour or religion and accepte the skill and mertis the bring then there wont be any shortage.

Answer 77

I agree with most others stating that a lot of people are not working who could be working.Toughen up even more on the Welfafe users who are not trying to get off the system. I knew of a woman who was collecting full Welfare for her and her 3kids and also working a job that paid her close to $2500.00 a month. Her parents knew and helped her out. I told her I bust my A** so you can collect more than i make.You then work and collect even more. I am going to give you 30days to stop or i'll report you for fraud.She stopped withing days. Far to many kids are doing nothing and getting life handed to them. I say if you old enough to work and aren't then make them work on community based projects;cleaning up the streets of garbabe. Vancouver is crying out for more Labourers in all industries as it ramps up for the Olympics.They have been in need of workers since before then.It pays good money and it also shows you a result at the end of the day.Something you can look back on years from now ans tell your kids. I used to look to socety to take careof me.One day i grew up and took responsibility for myself and if you look arund i can point out to you some of the buildings i worked on. I know my uncle used to do that with his kids.He worked on a lot of buildings in and around Vancouver and he was proud fo the work he did.Kids now spend to much time thinking they are going to get rich doing nothing. It takes a lot of hard woork to make life for yourself today. A friend of mine once said work is supposed to be a little bit hard at times....otherwise it would be called PLAY.

Answer 78

Our present governments at all levels need to provide financial incentives to companies to hire and train or send for training, individuals who are serious about improving themselves and retraining in a field that is in need of skilled workers (an excelerated learning/indentured system).

I'm sure there are plenty of prospective people out there who would welcome a chance to improve themselves and their family's standard of living. I'm one of them. I know that I would be loyal to and stay with any company that could see the benefits of such a program for their future growth and sustainment. I'm sure I'm not the only one out here.

There are plenty of people today working in industry & Business who may be able to do the same job as a College or University educated individual but they are passed over because they do not hold the academic credentials most companies require today.

Answer 79

I think if I hear one more "over-qualified" response as a result of a job interview I will just spit! It is interesting that employers are expecting the world in skill set, but because I am in my Fifties, I am overqualified. Sounds like age discrimination to me.



There are a lot of people who are available and willing to work and expect only a livable wage. The employers are just looking for people who are cheap and cheerful and still live with their parents. Canadian employers are being just too picky!

Answer 80

I think they should give international students work permits without any job offer, because when u try to get a job without a permit no one is willing to give an offer.Also, after working for a while they should give us students our permanent resident.In that way it would encourage more young students to come and get an education in Canada. I am currently an international student facing the difficulties of getting a job offer.

Answer 81

MORE AFFORDABLE DAY CARE!!!!!! The answer seems pretty obvious to me. I know that looking at my family, if there is anything that will impede me or my husband from being in the labour force in the next few decades, it will be access to affordable day care.



Getting people off welfare won't work, goverments have already tried to do that. I know from professional experience that everyone who is capable of working is doing so. The majority of people on assistance right now face to many barriers. So, perhaps getting services in place that help people address those barriers would help.

Answer 82

o offer/want to offer immigrants are jobs which require little or no skill, and certainly not a University Degree, then why is it that the application process for residency is best suited to professionals?



So before you go looking for more immigrants to come and join the already disenfranchised and disillusioned crowd, someone need to do an assessment or report (

Answer 83

Canada is receiving around 250K of emigrants every year.

In order to be accepted as an emigrant you have to have an university degree and lots of experience in your field. Based on the above statements , there are lots of teachers, doctors, engineers, who are forced at this moment to work as a pizza driver, or any odd jobs in order to survive.

The workforce is out there but nobody wants to give them a chance to use their skills and education .

Answer 84

this is a matter I have been discussing with my MPP. with little results. There are a high number of individuals both men and women in Ontario in their late thirties and early forties who are not happy in their present occupations(usually lower level minimum wage positions) and would like to leave and be retrained in one of the skilled trades . However, most have been employed for a number of years and have financial obligations (i.e. food clothing shelter) that requires them to have an ongoing income. I recognize there are apprenticeship programs however, to start these programs do not provide sufficient income. The Ontario Government should consider some type of program for these mature individuals that provides sufficient income to meet their requirements. I am sure it would not have to equal their current wage and might have to be subsidized by friends or relatives. I believe you would attract a large number of mature individuals who still have 25 to 30 years of work life remaining.

Answer 85

If all some persons or organizations have to offer/want to offer immigrants are jobs which require little or no skill, and certainly not a University Degree, then why is it that the application process for residency is best suited to professionals?

Answer 86

I don't about you people but around here the job market sucks. I guess by labour shortage they mean people who will work for very little and will not complain when they are mistreated. I think a companies want a glut of unemployed/underemployed people in the job market so that the companies can do as they please.

Answer 87

There are a few areas that Canada can improve upon to increase the work force...



1) More incentives for procreation (or place higher taxes on condoms.) By encouraging larger families we can keep up with the aging population.



2) Cancel welfare, EI, and other social programs (including aborigional programs) with the exception of people with disabilities. Have the sloths of society go out and get their hands dirty. Canadian society is becoming increasingly lethargic and it wouldn't hurt to get some of these people wheened off the public purse.



3) Open immigration for skilled trades and workers. We are doing good for occupations requiring higher education, but we are being selective when it comes to journeymen from European countries.



4) Use our growing prison population to undertake some of the more medial jobs, such as sidewalk cleaning, picking trash, or farm labour. We could give extra credit for time served on a work farm, plus when they get out they have skills at hand to go out and get a job, rather than committing another crime to go back to getting free room and board (it does happen more often then we think).

Answer 88

We need better workplace programs in place which there aren't that many. Why aren't people job shadowing their seniors? Why aren't their more programs for job sharing? And yes, I agree with some responses to this question, why should we grow our population even further? At this point, we're seeing this once clean, safe, manageable city become third world quality due to over population. Why would we want to bring it down faster? Makes no sense.

Answer 89

Part time work and/or flexible schedules.

With daycare costs rising faster than paycheques many families don't have a choice but to have one parent stay home. Employers aren't willing to look at this segment who would love to work but can't justiy working all day and coming home with nothing or in debt for paying childcare costs.

Answer 90

Another thing that's been mentioned time and again is to provide subsidies for "larger" families. Entice families to be larger than the average 2.4 children. The CCTB right now is good, but after 2 children, you get the shaft and the more you have the less you get.

Answer 91

As an educated American who came to Canada and had to send in 40 resumes before getting hired, I think some of the fault lies with employers. You can't sit there waiting on the perfect candidate to fill the position when others could quickly learn the missing skill.



Hire more staff at immigration centres! It took me 6 months and a couple of grand $ to get my work permit and many more spend literally years waiting for approval. The costs and waits are prohibitive and there are thousands of people willing to immigrate here and would work for minimum wage but they can't afford the immigration process.



What about adoption? Cheaper adoption would allow many families to add to the population which would then increase the working population. Some people may say "well if you can't afford adoption, you can't afford a child" and I say they're morons. Who among us could afford $40,000 out of pocket in a lump sum, or even financed? Children are expensive, yes, but it is cumulative over their lifetimes- not in one big chunk. Say you factor in a financed loan to adopt; then you have monthly payments as well as child care costs. Some couldn't afford both when they could afford child care alone just fine. Its ridiculous when there are loving homes wanting children and children wanting homes but who are stuck in government care. Adoption seems to be some huge money grab.



And lastly, as someone who had reproductive issues earlier in life and needs corrective surgery before she can have a baby, I'd like to see a program offering free, or discounted reproductive surgeries. My husband and I are willing to do our part to contribute to the population but we're having to save up several thousand $ to get it done.



Of course, once the babies are born/adopted, the next money grab is daycare. Parents have to essentially choose whether it is cheaper to stay at home and lose half their income or to have mom work and lose the majority of her income to childcare. Who wants to work full-time and end up with a net profit of $200 per month? Honestly, $900 a month for daycare is insane. The government should step in here as well and offer cheaper, subsidized options for working moms. That would be both incentive to have more children AND would keep moms in the workforce.

Answer 92

This is government propaganda and a bunch of lies. Labour shortages are perhaps in Fort McMurray, AB.

Where are these shortages in Ontario or GTA area?



My wife spent 2 years in a college at age of 40, got Pharmacy Technician diploma and spent 3 years working part time jobs in retail pharmacy stores. Finally got permanent position for less 15$/h.

I am in IT and the only feeling, me and me peers have is that we will not be able to find another permanent jobs if we get laid off. And most of us have University Degree in computers.



Disgusting propaganda.

Answer 93

Canada has lots of immiggirants,but they are doing odd jobs as per their qualification and experience.It is time that authorities should accept qualification of some countries are accepted .This will atleast put some check on the jobs which require professionals but has shortage of manpower ,because those professionals are either driving cabs ,trucks,or doing some other job.This will atleast put check on mismatch of jobs and qualification.

Answer 94

I am retiring at 48 and not in canada i do not want to pay outrages taxes and get nothing back lower my taxes by 25 percent and i'll keep working. You say can't be done France has and they have the best healthcare in the world.Every G8 country's tax freedom day is before ours, why work for the government only fools do.

Answer 95

Create incentives for immigration for all sectors requiring workers. Provide information on how to make immigration easier and the steps to move to Canada. Have employers at job fairs to seek out potential employees both at home and abroad. Create pre-employment training in high schools for students who already know their career path they wish to pursue.

Answer 96

this is pure propaganda by the government. They also said about the shortage of IT people when there were plenty of workers in the field. The government exaggerated the shortage of IT people in order to justify importing thousands of immigrants from middle eastern countries. Hence the wages in IT field dropped like a ton of bricks. Now they are doing it again in order to drive down wages across all professions.

Answer 97

Just keep on bringing in immigrant workers and prepare for a disgruntled group of retired seniors saddened over the possiblilty of a civil war due to racism. That's all that we can do, I am afraid.

Answer 98

I am suprised that there are labour shortages when in fact some people are doing jobs that they don't like, there are people being laid off especially in the hightech sector the job market is not stable and is very stressful so if there are jobs out there advertise them so people cna apply or train for them

Answer 99

We currently require so many people in the labour force because there is such a large population. As our population decreases, the demand in our various industries will decrease as well. We need to stop focussing on profits and growth and start focussing on the health of ourselves and our planet.

Answer 100

I'm just glad there will be jobs for us boomers down the road. I don't have a pension to retire on and have no choice but to work for the rest of my life. So it's nice to know that I will be able to earn a living to feed myself and put a roof over my head.

Answer 101

i find that to many jobs are asking for x amount of years experience and i see many people who are motivated to do the job, i believe maybe are able to do the job but they are passed over because of the experience they are missing. Why not give more people chances to do the job then saying flat out no you are not able to do it because you don't have all the experience were looking for. if you give people chances it may surprise you to see they can do it. it has happened to me many times were i can do the job but cause im missing one little thing i am passed up and the company keeps a classified add in the paper for weeks/months till they find someone.

Answer 102

How about hiring all the people, who are stuck working two or three part time jobs to make ends meet, full time. Companies will have to stop being cheap with their employees and offer more than 'minimum wage with no benefits part-time' positions.

Stop downsizing, start up-sizing.

Answer 103

A modest proposal: Offer boomers tax breaks to euthanize themselves. No need for the rest of us to support a graying drain on our resources, and the sudden transfer of inheritances will both boost government tax revenues and free the rest of us to enjoy our young lives, which is what boosting productivity is supposed to result in (rather than the longer hours we are all working). Retirement is wasted on the elderly after all.

Answer 104

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You will find a lot of interesting informations.

Answer 105

Ha Ha! makes me laugh. In the early 90's my generation was told to pump sand! no jobs, no career prospects, baby boomers laughing that they had good jobs and were driving around in nice cars, thinking of holiday homes while the 30 somethings of today had to go from temp job to temp job and pundits told us not to expect any long term employment. needed a Masters degree to work at mcdonalds! this coming generation is lucky, they will have all options open to them and will not appreciate it. As for the baby boomers, they had jobs handed to them on silver platters, have eaten up holiday properties, made good on a strong stock market and controlled the work pool for the last 40 years. They generated ZERO jobs for the Gen x in the 90's and deserve nothing more from my generation, they did nothing for us. making the cost of living go through the roof. I wont support their pension plans though, im already living in the Med.



Ciau.

Answer 106

Allow people on welfare start in low entree jobs. Allowing them to get experience and have a proper job. This way they are not a using up money that the government is going to have to pay the retired people.

Answer 107

Encourage retiring at a later age. The average life span is around eighty years, so there's no reason why a perfectly healthy individual should retire at age fifty-five.

Answer 108

Talking about problems only make them bigger!



Read “Why we want you to be rich” by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki.



You shouldn’t rely on the government, rely on yourself.



Number ONE, be SELF-EMPLOYED, or START YOUR OWN BIZ!!!



The rich will only get richer with HUGE tax deductions, and the POOR will only get poorer with the years to come due to the aging population and high demand to take care of the retiring baby boomers…



If you become rich, not only will you help our economy, and create jobs, but you will also be able to help yourself, your family, and anyone you love!



To your Success and Happiness!



Karl M

Personal Wellness Coach

514-574-4372

P.S. If you are interested becoming rich yourself, make extra income, or have your own business to save thousands of dollars in taxes, contact me. (Good for 65 countries)

Answer 109

For One, you can make it easier for people to leave their dead end jobs and be trained while collecting UI. As it stands right now, if a person isn't laid off due to lack of work you can't collect U.I or qualify for the training offered.



I can't say I'm surprised, we're severly overtaxed due to the incompetent people running(ruining) this country, so I don't expect the laws to change anytime soon. It would require a thought process, and anyone who has ever laid eyes on Harper knows thinking is not his forté.

Answer 110

We are losing an increasing amount of professionals to our neighbour; the United States. The U.S. offers lower income taxes and higher paying jobs, more attactive for both Canadian and Immigrated professionals.



Canada needs to keep these professionals here. The GST is a consumption tax (tax that discourages consuming). We should be lowering income taxes (taxes that discourage working) and increasing consumption taxes.



The Canadian government should lower income taxes and either increase or leave consumption taxes alone.

Answer 111

I've got an idea...hire me. I'm a military veteran of 7 years with a Master's degree and I can't get a call back from any employers. Job hunting sucks.

Answer 112

retirees tax free first 20 hours. next 10 hours 25 per.cent. any more hrs then 30 then must pay a portion into health care plan or system. this will bring retirees back to work and boost economic activity.

Answer 113

well there's a lot of people on welfare sucking money out of tax payers, if there is suck a shortage of workers don't allow people to stay on welfare. It should only be used to help temporarily not for years and years. Most of the people on welfare are fully capable of working their just to lazy, come on if someone was paying your bills for you would you go back to work...? Give them help to get of thier feet and there should be no reason why they can't close the gap on this worker shortage

Answer 114

It's about time. Us Gen-Xers need a turn to establish our skills and become leaders in our fields of study. It's hard to compete with established baby boomers in meaningful jobs, as they have more experience and are generally established in their niches. So no need to worry, please retire, Canada is in good hands and we'll figure out a way to manage.

Answer 115

eliminate mandatory retirement. allow for double deductions made after 65 in rrsp contributions. do not unwrap them at 71.

give a very large financial incentive to keep working.

give huge tax incentives for higher education and new skills acquisition

after all it is the least productive that want to do nothing after some arbitrary age of 65

Answer 116

induce older workers like myself to continue to work even after working now for over 43 years. if one has changed employers and has no great pension to live on really just merely survive on. however i feel i must start sonn receiving some pension benefits whether working 0r not. there must be more incentives by both private & goverment programs to work so long as one wishes.

Answer 117

3 answers, really:



1) give the jobs to people who are qualified and be sceptical when hand-me-down jobs are given to sons and daughters who may (or may not) have the required skills. Nothing worse than taking a back seat while people who are less qualified 'inherit' jobs.

2) Publish an open statistic for jobs that "boomers" retire from vs. jobs that still exist today. More and more jobs have been abandoned because someone somewhere feels the need to cut that budget.

3) Open up our interprovincial borders. There should be ONE CANADIAN DRIVERS LICENSE, ONE HEALTH CARD, ONE VEHICLE INSPECTION, ONE TEACHER/DOCTOR/NURSE/VETERANARIAN LICENSE.

-every time I move provinces I get reminded of just how easy it was for me to transfer my credentials to Japan(one card, one stamp). Can we please eliminate the grab-bag provinces from looking for a free hand out everytime a Canadian wishes to move provinces.



...all of these would improve employer search success!

Answer 118

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Answer 119

Get the native population off of welfare and government assistance and into the work place. This will also solve the substance abuse and crime problems afflicting the aboriginal peoples.

Answer 120

If employers are having such a hard time getting help, they should be more realistic in their expectations.

They are always looking for the perfect match and then complaining when they don't find them

That is their problem.

Answer 121

Canada should be more flexible with their immigration policy to add to the diminishing workforce. In addition they should encourage rather than discriminate against newcomers in the country.

Answer 122

Adjust the TAX system in order to encourage retired people to continue working in their specific fields without OVER-Taxation.

e.g. the income earned as a RETIRED/pension person WILL NOT be taken into account for tax purposes - that means: not added to other incomes like pension, dividends etc -



In this way they will be greatly encouraged to continue working in their fields.

Answer 123

I believe the Government should increase assistance for laid off workers in the manufacturing and forestry sectors by paying for re-training or education assistance so that these workers can keep their homes and keep working in areas and fields that are thriving and that desperately need workers!

Answer 124

I believe that government should stop paying welfare completely and instead raise minimum wages a little bit higher. Also, government must make is easier for people to have kids.

Answer 125

Education, most people can not afford to go to college or university anymore. It's time to start making it affordable to everyone to get a good paying job with education. More grants need to go to schools.

Answer 126

I'd like to know where it is ... please someone send me there ... no jobs here in Windsor area. College educated and still no job. I have a machinist certificate and one year of mechanical engineering(mainly becasue i couldn't afford to go to school for another year) and greenhouses and Tim Hortons won't even hire me... damned if ya do damned if ya don't.

Answer 127

start hiring youths for summer work and train them to do the jobs and give them work experience at the same time so that when they get time for a full time job they already have the basic experience.

Answer 128

Keep the main thing the main thing. We got to have more kids. Give more financial incentives for each kid you have progressively. 1st kid 'x' amt. 2nd kid 'x +y'. 3rd kid 'x + y + z' etc.

Also through the media make it look sexy to have kids especially to those couples who are over 25 years old and who are in the higher tax and education bracket.

Answer 129

Start valueing emplyees again. If you want them to now do the work of 3 people, at least appreciate it, fi you are not compensation it.

Answer 130

Lowering our immigration standards is not going to help the situation (if anything it should be raised with a better screening process). How about being more proactive towards those who are abusing our welfare system.

Answer 131

There are several solutions:



First, increase immigration.



Second, increase automation (sorry, you might not have a human being serve you coffee anymore).



Third, increase wages and incentives. Labour and trades related jobs (where the shortages will be the most acute) are long overdue for a pay raise given how much the cost of living has increased over the past few years.

Answer 132

The solution is simple, handy and not expensive.

"Invest in the thousands of skilled professionals who have immigrated and still are immigrating to Canada."

Train, expose to hands on experience, support and let them get going.

There are lots of unemployed or underemployed professionals who have excellent skills, language, intelligence and potentials ready to participate in the wheel of ecconomy.

Answer 133

there are lots of unemployed young people. hire and start training them b4 the experienced people retire. be less picky about qualifications and spend more money on training.

Answer 134

No more immigrants without skills/trades should be allowed in Canada.

Working refugees/immigrants would save tax payers $1846 a month. That money could be better utilized in education and training the people who want to work.

Answer 135

What a load of ********. The job market sucks. HR departments of every company are swamped with resumes. Salaries and wages in the private sector are low. Every Canadian business wants to send every Canadian job to China. These stories are just ******** that the Canadian business lobby makes up to get the federal government to flood the job market with immigrants.

Answer 136

Introduce foreign labor, and register

Answer 137

a- Education!

Education! and more

Education!



b- Incentives for larger families



c- Expedited process for "qualified" inmigrants!



d- Expedited process for new inmigrant's qualifications to be homologated!



Enjoy, the New Canada!

Answer 138

If Canadians dont like it

then they should leave,

i am sick of Canada and its stupid laws. i leaving Canada and going back to Quebec to cut down Jackpine trees.

Answer 139

HISTORICALLY, NO ONE WANTED TO TRAIN APPRENTICES. NOW THEY WILL PAY FOR IT. THEY WILL HAVE TO TRAIN MORE READILY, AND THEY WILL HAVE TO ATTRACT PEOPLE WITH HIGHER WAGES THAN THEY WOULD HAVE HAD TO PAY. THIS WAS WARNED OF AT LEAST TEN YEARS AGO AND NO BODY LISTENED.

Answer 140

Canada's response has gone on for many years: we admit about 250,000 immigrants a year. That has worked fairly well.



However, the bar has been set quite high (half our immigrants have university degrees, for example, compared to just a fifth of Canadians). Immigrants age too, usually themselves retiring in 20-30 years.



Soon, our workforce won't meet the needs of our aging population. We need both to make immigration easier and to increase the number of immigrants. Can you think of a better way to grow our workforce?

Answer 141

I guess people my age are gonna have to be given bonuses and hirer pay to stay where we are! :D

Answer 142

stop immigration!!, send native indians,metis, undesirablefilipinos to asia, philippine or china.

Answer 143

hire americans,

Answer 144

canada losers

Answer 145

Immigration Immigration Immigration.........





Immigrants are well educated and we, as a country, will be years ahead of the US effort if we get an early jump on it.



Also,

Babies Babies Babies...........

Answer 146

bring in more foriegn workers.