The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is taking direct aim at the labour shortage faced by the business community as it sets its targets for 2018.
Chamber chief executive Catherine Holt said that one issue is top of mind in almost every sector in this region.
“We heard loud and clear from our members who are major employers in the region that attracting and retaining employees is their single biggest challenge,” she said.
“The high cost and low availability of housing, transportation and child care are the major obstacles for many employers as they try to fill vacancies.
“Our focus will be to advocate to governments to help address the issues creating this problem."
Attracting and retaining workers tops a list of six priorities laid out by the chamber for 2018. It will also be pushing for effective local governance and services, improving the regional economy, fair regulations, finding climate change solutions and safe communities.
Holt said a change in government at the provincial level, which resulted in local MLAs at the cabinet table and the premier’s office, could translate into more action on issues the chamber has been advocating for over the last several years.
Already, she said, they have seen increased funding for transportation and child care.
The advocacy work has also been shared among a number of Victoria business organizations and the City of Victoria, which Holt believes helps build a stronger case for action.
