A Human Resource Strategy for British Columbia

A skilled workforce is a fundamental ingredient for prosperity in British Columbia. Whether short-term or long-term, B.C.'s need for skilled workers needs to be addressed in order to maintain a healthy economy.

Growing B.C. businesses need skilled workers to produce quality products and services. And a skilled workforce will attract businesses looking to relocate in B.C.

On May 3, 2004, the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services released a Provincial Human Resource Strategy. This publication outlines some of the work already undertaken by the provincial government, and key labour market facts that will help B.C. businesses plan to meet their human resource needs. It also highlights recommended best practices, and some of the innovative solutions being applied today in B.C. workplaces.

The Strategy can be downloaded for free. (Note: the document is in pdf format). The entire document may take some time to download, so can be downloaded in its entirety, or in smaller sections.

A Human Resource Strategy for British Columbia (entire document) ( 5.0 MB, 20 pages )

Introduction ( 226 KB, 1 page )

Skill Needs in the B.C. Context ( 1.4 MB, 5 pages )

Developing a Provincial HR Strategy (256 KB, 1 page)

Inventory of Provincial Programs ( 1.8 MB, 8 pages )

Best Practices for Employers ( 521 KB, 2 pages )

Skills Solutions in Action ( 526 KB, 2 pages )

Employers, individuals, governments, training organizations, schools and governments all have a role to play in making sure that as many people in B.C. as possible are working at jobs that they enjoy, and that contribute to an increased standard of living in this province. A balanced solution to skills shortages considers all of those roles and responsibilities, and identifies actions on both the demand and supply side of the labour market.

The first step in developing a strategy has been to stand back and assess what government is already contributing to the skills agenda. Four objectives have been identified, to help ensure that we look at all aspects of the labour market, what government is currently doing, and where any remaining gaps might lie. A summary of some of the key initiatives has been included in the Human Resource Strategy publication, but a more comprehensive list of activities in the four key areas is available. The detailed inventory is arranged by the four objectives, and can be accessed through the links below.

#1. Increasing B.C.'s workforce

#2. Fueling skill development

#3. Matching skills to need

#4. Tools for long-term planning

At this stage, this represents a work-in-progress -- the beginnings of a provincial human resources strategy that will evolve over the coming years, and reflect the dynamic nature of the labour market. Government needs your input -- both to tell us about where the skills shortages are emerging as the economy changes, and to continue to refine the Provincial Human Resource Strategy.

If you have thoughts about future skills shortages, and the challenges they present for economic growth in B.C., please use the “talk to us” link to give us your input.