Last Monday, Premier David Eby and our representative visited my home, highlighting the need to intensify our advocacy for employment services and community support this campaign season. We've previously shared our advocacy toolkit and social media posts, including the #HumansOfEmployment hashtag, to raise awareness among candidates. Our efforts extend nationally through the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training (CCCBET), where I serve as board chair, and the National Advocacy Committees. I also recently added ASPECT to a federal petition led by Challenge Factory, CERIC, and the Career Development Professional Centre.
 
Earlier this month, CCCBET submitted a pre-budget submission to the federal Standing Committee on Finance. In it, there are four recommendations:
 

1. That the government reinstate the $625 million in federal labour market transfer funds to the provinces for career development and employability training, recognizing the value of community-based services in maintaining and growing Canada's economic future.
2. That the government further supports underfunded community-based employability networks, which are essential to growing the economy.
3. That the government establish funding to support the development of a Federal Employment Strategy Framework that supports career development and employability training to meet the current and future labour market needs outside political cycles.
4. That the government relax and simplify the eligibility criteria for public employment services to allow all individuals who express needs in terms of integration and continued employment to receive support, regardless of their income status or employment situation.

 
The National Advocacy Steering and Working Committees, funded and led by CERIC, have unified voices to elevate the profile of career development professionals. We're finalizing our messaging for Canadian Career Month in November. ASPECT will also share more details for Community Employment Service Providers Week (November 4–8, 2024). Still in development, I can tell you the four goals for this work are:
 

1. Increase the number of people accessing career development services
2. Increase the public's competency in developing their careers
3. Integrate career development into current systems
4. Increase funding and investment in the career development services/sector

 
A joint letter organized by The Challenge Factory, CERIC, and the Career Development Professional Centre is a response to the key findings from the report earlier this year, Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector. It is a staged rollout, meaning sector leaders have been asked to sign the letter, with full invitations coming to everyone soon. The goal is to collect 1,000 signatures by the beginning of Canada Career Month in November. Here is an excerpt from the letter:
 
The letter calls upon policy and industry leaders to:

1. End the “fail-first” approach to career and employment services,
2. Leverage the expertise of career development professionals to advance Canadians’ career ownership, readiness, and literacy, and
3. Equip industries and business owners with stronger career development to better address shifting labour markets and workforce dynamics.

 
Our advocacy work for the BC election and the upcoming federal budget and election aligns perfectly with what I hear from ASPECT members. I'm excited to collaborate with partners both provincially and federally. In case you missed it, I want to highlight a compelling Toronto Star article by Drs. Candy Ho and Taryn Blanchard, titled A national careers strategy would help win in the future of work. Here’s how. Both are prominent advocates, and I'm thrilled to work with them on this initiative. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this work.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC