What We Heard - P.E.I.

What They Said...

One of the most prevalent themes in the comments noted by participants in the pre- and post- dialogue surveys addresses the need for collaborative partnerships to deal with skills needs and the aging workforce:

"All of the above need to work together with government taking the lead role, then schools, colleges and universities. Encouraging living wages would also be a good place to start." Prince Edward Island labour participant
"Business needs skilled, productive labour. The better the staff, the more productive business can be, thereby creating better job security. Labour must embrace life-long learning. Educators must work with labour and business to provide training opportunities." Prince Edward Island business participant
"It will take a co-ordinated effort if we are to maximize our potential." Prince Edward Island education participant

8.4 Moderate Priority Actions (Provincial)

Of the 13 actions participants were asked to evaluate in the pre- and post- dialogue questionnaires, there were five that received more moderate endorsement as priorities:

Providing better supports to those facing barriers entering the labour market;
Encouraging employers to provide more and better training;
Addressing literacy and numeracy issues in the general population;
Attracting more immigrants with the job skills needed by the province; and;
Increasing economic productivity through investments in R&D and training.

While a sizable share of participants described these actions as "very important" (between 27% and 67%), relatively few participants selected these items as priority actions.

8.5 Low Priority Actions (Provincial)

The three options/actions that were least likely to be viewed as priority actions were "encourage innovation and entrepreneurship", encourage older workers to continue working for several more years", and "do nothing - let the market forces naturally resolve the issue".