At the July 22nd Virtual Members Meeting, we discussed the current employment conditions within each service provider's community. It was confirmed there what I had been hearing individually, some jobs are going unclaimed. Those without impediments such has health or daycare issues would like to collect the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) rather than seek employment. The question then is, how do we create a compelling enough value proposition to encourage people to find work or to request services and training for future work? ASPECT members expect that once the CERB is removed or changed, there may be an influx of people needing assistance.
At this morning's press briefing, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that changes are indeed coming.
- The government is working on a plan to transition those collecting the CERB to the employment insurance program.
- Those who do not qualify for EI would be able to access a program that is in development.
- The overall plan is to re-engineer the EI program to meet "21st century needs" without increasing EI premiums.
In the meantime, we have taken the ideas from our members to create an infographic and social media posts. These are for you to use to spread the message that it is an excellent time to find work, change careers, and access services and support. Please feel free to use the information as you see fit.
We are also working on a list of value propositions for employers to use this time to hire. Thanks to all the ASPECT members who provided the content for these documents and for Kim Lauritsen at Community Futures North Okanagan and her helper for making sure the information contained within is correct.
Go to our website to download this infographic as well as the individual social media posts.
Janet Morris-Reade
ASPECT BC CEO