The Government of BC has launched a consultation to gather feedback for the next iteration of the WorkBC program amid an incredibly dynamic labour and funding environment. If you’ve been following the news from our neighbour to the south, you’ll know that with each new tariff announcement, there is an immediate impact on our economy and labour markets here. Governments at both federal and provincial levels are being forced to pivot and regroup constantly. Perhaps this is why we have yet to see the report from the federal Building a Modern 21st Century Workforce consultation held earlier this year — understandable, given the current flux in Ottawa.
 

This is exactly why I encourage you — and everyone you know — to engage in the WorkBC consultation. You are the experts. You understand what’s happening on the ground in your communities, and you have the insight to identify gaps and risks that might otherwise be missed.
 

Some have asked why ASPECT isn’t hosting a virtual member meeting to discuss the consultation. The reality is that we’ve entered a pre-procurement cycle where employment service providers are more guarded than usual. Some attend meetings to gather proprietary intelligence, to speculate, and are wary of the confidentiality in our meetings and the structural integrity of what’s often called the “cone of silence.”
 

When it comes to WorkBC, ASPECT finds itself in a challenging position. For many contractors, WorkBC has become a trigger word. We’re sometimes accused of being too focused on WorkBC or not focused enough. In our advocacy, we strive to ensure that the issues raised by all members, regardless of how their employment services are funded, are heard. We also aim to share what we know about the shifting political, economic, and operational constraints our government colleagues face.
 

At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: to help our clients and communities thrive. Let’s make sure your voice helps shape what comes next. Take the survey or sign up for one of the virtual consultation sessions. Let's communicate to government how important employment programs are to us all!
 

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC