In case you haven’t heard, there was a cabinet shuffle earlier this week that will likely impact the work we do, and perhaps, the future of employment programs in BC.

Political

The Honourable Andrew Mercier, formerly the Minister of State for Workforce Development and Future Skills, has transitioned to the role of Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation. He has shifted his support from the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to the Minister of Forestry. This move is a loss for us, considering Mercier's substantial contributions to the international credential recognition file, which informed new legislation.

In response to these changes, the Minister of State position in Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has been eliminated and replaced with the role of Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials, now occupied by MLA George Chow. This has resulted in new mandate letters for both Minister Robinson and the parliamentary secretary, and I've requested a meeting with them on your behalf.

Public Service

Within the public service, a notable shuffle has occurred among top bureaucrats. David Galbraith, a highly regarded Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. In his place, Allison Bond, a former Assistant Deputy Minister and often regarded as the architect of the Employment Program of BC, has taken over the Deputy Minister role at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Future of the Social Services Sector Roundtable

Turning our attention to the Social Services Sector Roundtable (SSSRT), initiated by former SDPR Minister Shane Simpson in May 2019, there are concerns about potential disruptions due to these changes. However, there's a silver lining as David Galbraith, a key collaborator within the roundtable who has been actively addressing issues may continue in his new role with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Or, because the roundtable is led by SDPR, Deputy Minister Allison Bond may take over. Given the diverse stakeholders at the roundtable, spanning various ministries, we remain optimistic that the crucial work of the SSSRT will continue despite the shuffle. I will keep you posted.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

I wanted to update you on ASPECT's advocacy work this week. I also encourage those who are reading this and who are not ASPECT members but deliver employment services and supports to join us to support our work. 

National Advocacy Campaign for Career Development

The CERIC-organized National Advocacy Steering Committee met to discuss the initiative that began a year ago at Cannexus. As a committee member, it's exciting to unite diverse career development players for a common message. We're developing "Beyond Decent Work," aligning with the UN's SDG. I'm looking forward to our in-person Sunday meeting before Cannexus in Ottawa.

National CDP Credential Program Update

I attended a Career Development Professional Centre (CDPC) meeting this week. We discussed CDPC's ongoing work and explored the use of AI in career development. The national CDP credentialing program is progressing, including forming a national association, developing exams, and creating a competencies and delivery framework. The next phase involves testing the system with a pilot for non-certified career practitioners. If successful, the national credential program is set to launch in the fall of 2024, and provincial credentials will transfer to the national program.

Voice for Community-Based Services

At Cannexus this year, the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability and Training (CCCBET) board members, of which I am chair, will present a session on the importance of community-based services in an environment of increased virtual services. This topic builds on what we learned in our ASPECT research Competency of Career Development Practitioners for Virtual Services and Refocusing the Urban Lens for Rural & Remote Employment Services.

Our session "Employment Services at a Crossroads: Do They Need to Change?" will look at how the changes in the labour market, employer demands, the rise of technology, and increases in multi-barrier clients have highlighted the need for community services to rethink service delivery. Check out the program and note that the registration deadline for Cannexus is Monday, January 15. 

Employees of ASPECT member organizations can register as a "member of a supporting organization" for a significant discount. Another reason for you to join ASPECT if you aren't already a member. Check out information about our member referral program below.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

It's that time of the year again when ASPECT is searching for new board members. Due to retirement and shifting job priorities, we bid farewell to former president Val Meaney, treasurer Tricia Gueulette, and directors Peter Bailey and Deborah Bromley. I extend my gratitude to these board members for their exemplary leadership over the past five years, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic and the evolving labour market. Val, Tricia, Peter, and Deborah made up a part of the 9-person "dream board," they worked collaboratively, focusing on ASPECT's vision and mission while putting the ASPECT members' needs before their own.  

Now it's your turn to step up, and I invite you to apply for a board position. Complete information is on the ASPECT website, but in short, here's what you need to know:

All board members should preferably hold a senior leadership position within their organization, such as CEO/ED or Director of Employment Programs or equivalent. However, this requirement is reviewed case-by-case in the interest of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• The time commitment involves approximately 2-4 hours per month for board and committee responsibilities and two in-person meetings scheduled in April and November. ASPECT will cover travel expenses and provide compensation.
  
  
• We offer training sessions for board members, presenting opportunities to enhance your skills and expand your professional networks.
  
  
• Applicants will be evaluated against the returning board members so that we have diverse representation. This process helps us bring in individuals with diverse experiences, especially in areas where we may require additional perspectives. You can access the evaluation matrix by clicking here. If you previously applied to join the board but weren't chosen, don't hesitate to apply again. Each year, we seek a unique blend of skills and experiences to select the most suitable candidate.
  
  
• The application deadline is Friday, January 19, 2024. APPLY NOW!

Correction: In a previous email addressed to our members, I erroneously stated that we were seeking five new board members; however, only four positions are available.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT

As 2023 ends, it is a good time to reflect on the employment and career training landscape in BC. It was a great year for international credential recognition in the province and a roller coaster year for the individuals delivering community-based employment services. Here are five of my favourite reports and publications. 

British Columbia Labour Market Outlook 2023 Edition 
Published by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the Labour Market Outlook, this gem is a must-read for everyone in our sector. Key insights include the primary sources of new labor supply, the necessity of post-secondary education for 75% of job openings, and five pivotal industries generating 55% of job opportunities. Love this work from our government colleagues. 

Addressing the Market Labour Gap 
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, along with the BC Chamber of Commerce, unveiled survey results highlighting a notable gap between employers and job seekers in the province. Employers face challenges in finding qualified candidates, while job seekers struggle with salary expectations. The report recommends bridging the gap between employers and job seekers. Community-based employment service providers know their communities like no other and would be the perfect ally in bridging this gap. Something to think about. 

Career Development in 2040 
CERIC's 2040 report outlines 10 critical workforce trends in Canada, emphasizing remote work, AI, and climate change. It underscores the need for career professionals to acquire skills like digital proficiency and climate coaching, making it essential reading for sector professionals nationwide. Such excellent work from CERIC and a great read. 

Performance Review Report 2022-2023: International Credential Recognition 
If you've been following ASPECT news, you know about the provincial government's $1.5 million International Credential Recognition Fund. This insightful read delves into the background of BC's initiative, explaining how it addresses challenges for internationally trained professionals and introduces new legislation to streamline credential recognition, removing barriers to target work.  

ChatGPT: Organizational and Labour Implications 
In 2023, generative artificial intelligence, notably ChatGPT, took centre stage. The Conference Board of Canada, in collaboration with the Future Skills Centre, explores the impact on writing and programming roles. Recommendations stress understanding tools, assessing risks, driving workplace efficiency, and implementing use policies. As we enter 2024, the "vanishing AI" era, continuous learning and adaptation remain essential. 

Whether you're dedicating the holidays to loved ones or catching up on work, it’s a good time to reflect. Let us appreciate the positive impact our sector made on communities and the province. This is the inaugural year of Community Employment Service Providers Week, celebrated November 6 to 10 province-wide, honouring those who empower people in BC to secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures. 

The ASPECT team and I wish you a wonderful holiday and all the best for the new year! 

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO 
ASPECT BC 

Tuesday, December 12, is officially recognized as Christine Sinclair Day by royal proclamation (see image at right). For those unfamiliar, Christine Sinclair is a BC-born and raised soccer player who started her career with the Canadian Women's Soccer Team at 16 and recently retired at 40.
 
Despite not being a soccer fan, I took my daughters to witness a world qualifying game in Vancouver against Team USA. The experience was a teachable moment for my 9- and 10-year-old daughters, allowing them to witness female athletes' strength and outstanding skills in real life. A decade ago, women's sports did not enjoy the same profile as today, making the event particularly special in a venue like Rogers Stadium. The underlying message within my memory is that representation matters not only to those in the field but also to aspiring individuals and observers.
 
In the realm of employability training and employment services, Truth and Reconciliation, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are paramount. This work involves close collaboration with both service seekers and employers within the community, preparing them for the evolving workforce. A recent session on the development of a new Canadian Job Development Network underscored the importance of engaging employers to recognize the value of hiring diverse and barriered populations. Crucially, existing networks between employment service providers and employers should extend beyond wage subsidies, aiding employers in reshaping their hiring goals.
 
Unfortunately, we've observed employer groups receiving funds to establish new training programs, often lacking expertise in career development. Simultaneously, the current network of experts remains underutilized and underfunded. While public funders plan to design more virtual services over larger regions, there's a concern that this may come at the expense of community service providers maintaining vital relationships between job seekers and employers.
 
Leveraging these community connections is imperative to meet our province's economic needs. They play a pivotal role in helping employers comprehend the changing labour market, showcasing possibilities and financial benefits in recruiting from equity-seeking populations. Similar to how my children witnessed strong female athletes shaping their worldview through representation, community employment service providers can guide employers toward recognizing new possibilities. Indeed, representation matters, acting like a snowball effect continually building momentum.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

It seems like a convergence of labour market information has landed in our laps over the past few weeks, giving us some idea of what is ahead for the sector.
 
Last Monday, I attended the BC Labour Market Report's Year in Review, presented by Christian St. Cyr. In this day-long webinar, Christian breaks down all the latest labour market information, government announcements, legislation, and labour market research from the past year into an informative and entertaining day. I'm always impressed with his ability to parse the various data and provide a compelling perspective.
 
Late last week, the government of BC released its BC Labour Market Outlook: 2023 Edition, which I think is always a fantastic feat by the public service in the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. Although slightly down from last year's projections, we can expect 998,000 job openings in the next ten years. Below is a graphic from page 10 of the report that shows how the numbers make sense. I would encourage you to examine the report closely, but know that you are already doing that. Kudos to our government friends for another outstanding publication.

Something else announced last week that you might have missed is the Provincial Data Plan: Better Data, Better BC. In it, the goal is to map "an all-of-government approach…to advance equity, support reconciliation, increase evidence-based decision making, deliver the modern services people need, and strengthen data competency and governance" (quoted from the website). Those in our sector know first-hand some of the gaps that emerge in data collection and how quickly those gaps can be a challenge when delivering services to those within their communities. I am hopeful that with the new data plan, the government will look closer at what data is needed to make decisions rather than take a shot-gun approach to collection.
 
This reminded me of the Prime project through the Canadian Career Development Foundation, in which they determined, in partnership with career development professionals, what outcomes in career development services are most important to measure. The project report from March 2021 ends with a section called "The Final Tale of Transformation: The Art of What's Possible," where they conclude that the Canadian public employment ecosystem faces systemic challenges, including inadequate assessment of clients' diverse strengths and needs, limited and insufficient metrics for reporting, a lack of comprehensive data for strategic planning among others.
 
All the information gathered helps us better understand workforce development's present and future and how employment service providers can support their communities. As AI becomes more prevalent and the labour market's supply and demand shift, service providers are perfectly positioned to address gaps and showcase potential opportunities. I believe that ASPECT members are capable of adjusting to the changing needs of their communities. You are in a great position to recognize emerging trends and share your knowledge with those who can benefit from it.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

This week, I attended the Career Education Society Conference in Vancouver, and once again, it was a fabulous event. I am pictured at right with Jessi Zielke, CES’s Executive Director. The Career Education Society represents career educators from kindergarten to grade 12. ASPECT's presence at the conference is crucial for understanding the full workforce development spectrum to inform our advocacy work. We maintain a friendly relationship with CES and the BC Career Development Association, sharing our associations' activities, reciprocal memberships and open communication, looking for ways to support each other. Thanks to Jessi for hosting me at the CES conference this year, and kudos to her board and team for an excellent event.

This week is Community Employment Service Providers Week, which the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, announced at the ASPECT conference. The Royal Proclamation marks the first week of November as a recognition of community employment service providers.

On our social media channels this week, ASPECT celebrated member organizations doing some exciting work around the province. Here are just a few of them:

• We featured ISSofBC and their new Gateway to Tourism and Hospitality Jobs program, providing a lifeline to newcomers seeking employment and employers eager for a skilled workforce.

• We showcased CanAssist at the University of Victoria, which is known for helping create personalized tools and software for people with disabilities and has recently received $1 million to develop devices for people to thrive in workplaces.

• We shared the Skills Centre's good news. The Centre has recently gained approval for a new federal program, and their new programs focus on emerging technology, remote work, reducing working poverty, supporting mental health, and future-proofing the workforce.

• We put the spotlight on the Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society for their successful Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program, which has maintained a 95% employment rate. The YESS team recently launched its Cool Jobs social media series, creating awareness of different employment opportunities within the community.

• S.U.C.C.E.S.S. was awarded $12 million from the government of Canada to offer pre-arrival settlement services to future immigrants, temporary workers, and international students. The new funding will help the organization continue supporting newcomers' needs by providing online and in-person services.

Congratulations and kudos to the North Island Employment Foundations Society, which showcased its team members in short videos posted on social media. We loved hearing first-hand about specialized employment counsellors' work to address specific needs in their communities, such as catering to people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds. Check it all out for yourself on social media with #HumansofEmployment.

We are raising your profile through Community Employment Service Providers Week and encouraging members to use the #HumansofEmployment hashtag in all their social media posts. These activities are part of a larger plan to get our sector in front of the politicians and the public as we head into an election year.

We want everyone to know how your work makes a difference. ASPECT will soon hire "community reporters" throughout the province to showcase our sector's hidden gems and success stories. Stay tuned for more information!

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

I am writing this in the car in front of the conference hotel. We have just wrapped up the 33rd annual ASPECT conference.

This morning, the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, unveiled this morning BC’s very first Community Employment Service Providers Week. Yes, you read it right. We now have a week dedicated to our sector, a moment to celebrate the invaluable contributions of those who empower people in BC to secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures.
 
It states in the government proclamation:

Thousands of British Columbians reach their employment potential thanks to the support of community-based employment service providers and their significant efforts in employment services and workforce development.

We couldn’t agree more.  
 
Starting Monday, November 6 and ending on Friday, November 10, this year’s first edition of the new Community Employment Service Providers Week will be a celebration of the dedicated professionals who help job seekers find their paths to success.
 
Throughout the week, we will be showcasing people who deliver community-based employment services in BC. Join us in celebrating the inaugural Community Employment Service Providers Week and help us create a movement by sharing your success stories on social media and tagging your posts with #HumansofEmployment! 
 
Other exciting news took place this week. BC's new salary transparency law kicked in on November 1st. All publicly posted jobs in BC must now display a clear salary range with a minimum and a maximum amount. This will be a game-changer for addressing BC's gender pay gap which is currently at 17%; the largest in the country.

The Pay Transparency Act also prohibits employers from asking interviewees about their salary at previous positions. This will be good for newcomers to Canada, who may have worked for a lower salary in their previous countries where the cost of living does not compare.
 
Salary information going from a taboo topic to something that’s out in the open, now that's also something to celebrate. 

Such progress as seen recently in our sector makes me hopeful for the future. We have achieved much, and ASPECT will continue to work hard in representing, serving, and advocating on behalf of you.

Cheers to us, we deserve it!

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

On Monday, I had the opportunity to attend in person the announcement of the new fair credential recognition legislation at the BC Legislature's Hall of Honour. Premier David Eby and the Minister of State for Workforce Development, the Honourable Andrew Mercier, made the announcement with speeches from Shelly D'Mello (photo at right) from the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria and Alice Wong, a newly credentialled social worker from Hong Kong.

The legislation is intended to remove barriers to internationally trained professionals impacting 29 credentialling bodies. Here's a link to the news release and my blog post in a previous edition of Aspectives. I can also tell you that ASPECT, along with some of our members, were allowed to preview the legislation. I see that much work and interest-holder consultation went into developing this legislation within an alarmingly quick time frame. Kudos to my public service colleagues and the provincial government for your hard work and dedication to addressing this social justice issue.
 

Here are a few of my takeaways from the event:

• It was interesting to see beyond what makes the news, and I was impressed with the inclusive and multilingual aspects of the announcement. Alice Wong made an outstanding speech about her experiences in both English and Cantonese. Minister of Education and Child Care, Honourable Rachna Singh, answered media questions in what I think was Hindi.
   
• During the Q&A session, the media quickly asked many pointed questions about everything but the legislation. Both the Premier and Ministers did outstanding jobs answering them – not ducking them or deflecting them – but answering them.
   
• The announcement was quite clearly a celebration, and it genuinely felt like a celebration, especially for those in the room. 
   

What I also find impressive is the rapid timeline for the legislation: 

Source: BC Government website

One last comment that I want to make clear. ASPECT, in its advocacy work, endeavours to be apolitical in all matters. We will gladly work with any party on any issue related to the work of our members. I am acutely aware that this post can seem pro-NDP, but it is not. It is more about the government's action to address a long-term wicked problem that needs attention. The legislation has so many challenges ahead and opportunities for failure if it is not embraced by the credentialling bodies, but still, at this moment, I am happy to give credit where I think it's due.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC