TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
Denny Warner Executive Director Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
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Cast your net widely I attended a workforce forum last week that was focussed on the the difficult challenges employers face in finding employees to fill current positions. Employers are having to spend an increasing amount of time on recruitment and retention efforts, and are finding it necessary to expand their focus to access groups of people they have not had experience recruiting, including immigrants, indigenous populations, people with diverse abilities, and the semi-retired. The first challenge employers face is to figure out where and how to access these largely untapped and diverse groups of potential employees. Gone are the days when you post a classified ad and are overwhelmed with resumes from a host of qualified applicants. The second challenge is to successfully
and sensitively navigating the recruiting process. Employers may find themselves dealing with language and cultural barriers as well as workplace accommodation issues. It seems the key to making this all work is time, patience and flexibility. Seemingly at odds with the difficulty, employers are facing recruitment at the federal level, as mentioned by Saanich / Gulf Islands MP, Elizabeth May, who attended the same forum, and is the focus of bureaucrats and politicians on job creation. This policy approach is more than a little mind-boggling, considering almost every business I know is looking for employees. It isn’t merely an irritant that companies have jobs open for extended periods of time. For some smaller businesses, a lack of employees has resulted in shortened hours and work weeks. It is very diffi-
THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019
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cult to generate revenue when your doors are closed. There seems to be a slight recognition of the shift in the balance of power from job creators to job seekers as evidenced by the criteria for the 2019 Canada Summer Jobs program. They have relaxed their previous requirement that applicants be students. We are able to hire any qualified candidates between the ages of 15 and 30. It’s a small step, but employers will take whatever help is offered. Our thanks to John Juricic and Harbour Digital Media for shining the light on these important labour market issues. This Chamber will continue to support employers’ recruiting and retaining efforts by sharing information about programs and people and resources. Stay connected and sign up to receive our weekly e-Blast.
Family Day Weekend with Max & Ruby and the Backyardigans
Robbie Burns on the Peninsula 14th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner Sponsored by Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band Saturday, Jan. 21 5 to 10:30 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. Sidney. Cash bar. For info and tickets, go to: gvppb.com/events/burns-dinnersilent-auction Robbie Burns Celebration on the Peninsula
he Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney is set to welcome families to their Family Day Weekend featuring TV’s very own Max & Ruby and The Backyardigans. With three shows daily, the Centre is thrilled to offer affordable entertainment — enjoyable for the whole family. On Sunday, Feb. 17, celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing, and their plans always collide — with hilarious results.
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Featuring upbeat and original songs, this Playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along! On Monday, Feb. 18, you’ll see the five pals from The Backyardigans — quick-moving penguin, Pablo; mellow moose Tyrone; thrill-seeking, purple-spotted creature, Uniqua; lady-like hippo, Tasha; and Austin, the new Kangaroo on the block. For the Backyardigans gang, daily backyard play dates bring fantasy to life. Each musical
adventure encourages kids to develop their imagination and express themselves creatively as they sing and dance along with the gang. Performances run at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. Each show is 45 minutes long, and comes with a meet and greet with the stars. Tickets are on sale now at the Mary Winspear Centre’s box office and online at: marywinspear.ca
Sunday, Jan. 27 1:30 p.m. Entertainment by Knacker’s Yard. The Scottish Country Dancers will perform, too. Scottish parade in, and a salute to the haggis with Bob Williamson. Refreshments, sandwiches and goodies available. Admission: $15/$20. Centre For Active Living 50+ 1229 Clarke Rd. (next to the library) in Brentwood Bay. Details: 250-652-4611 or cssca@shaw.ca. centralsaanichseniorscentre.org Join the centre for more activities. Meet new friends at whatever activities you enjoy: luncheons and teas, interesting speakers, fitness, dancing, card games and others, choir, crafts, bingo and Sunday socials.
Peninsula Co-op is giving back $6.3 million in rebates to members.
0011611696 PENINSULA CO-OP Rebates mailed recvd 10 x 120 Cheques are in the CMYK, , mail.
If you haven’t received yours, perhaps we don’t have your current mailing address. Contact us: 250.652.5752 or 1.877.652.5752 | membership@peninsulaco-op.com Not a member yet? Lifetime membership is only $27. No annual fee.
Learn more or become a member at peninsulaco-op.com