A meeting regarding workforce shortage challenges in the tourism sector in the Columbia Valley is being held October 2 at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC).

“The Kootenay Workforce Steering Committee and the CVCC are abundantly aware of the negative impact that the changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) has had on the tourism sector employers. We are working together to determine best options for addressing the workforce shortages that many of you experienced this past summer but we need your input to make sure that we develop the best possible program(s) for your businesses,” stated CVCC executive director Susan Clovechok.

The agenda for the 10 a.m. meeting will include an overview of the Kootenay Workforce Steering Committee, a workforce stats overview (will include a brief survey to update the stats that were collected in 2014) and a roundtable discussion.

The discussion will focus on: how the summer went in regards to staffing; what if anything they did to retain and attract employees; and current workforce issues.

Finally, the meeting will seek to brainstorm solutions and consider programs for addressing workforce shortages in the tourism sector, Clovechok said.

An invitation has been sent out to valley tourism sector businesses and chamber members to take part in the meeting, and the email invite includes a brief questionnaire that can be filled out anonymously, if desired.

If you wish to take part in this meeting, please RSVP by replying to [email protected] if you intend to participate and also complete the survey in the email.

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