What emerges from the pre- and post-dialogue survey results is that a multifaceted strategy in dealing with skills needs and the aging workforce would likely find support among the dialogue participants in each of the Atlantic Provinces.
The table below provides detailed information on how participants ranked each of the challenges in their pre- and post-dialogue surveys. Readers should note that due to the very small number of post-dialogue survey respondents (n=11) the following summary is based primarily on responses to the pre-dialogue survey. The findings from both surveys are presented here for reference purposes, but the interpretation of and use of post-dialogue survey results is extremely limited.
| % saying action is "Very Important" | % saying action is a priority | RANK (based on % saying action is a priority) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Pre- dialogue | Post- dialogue | Pre- dialogue | Post- dialogue | Pre- dialogue | Post- dialogue | Change in rank (pre minus post) |
| Improve coordination across business labour government and the education system | 71% | 73% | 53% | 46% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Encourage higher education and lifelong learning | 49% | 64% | 40% | 9% | 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Create decent and secure job opportunities for people | 60% | 64% | 37% | 46% | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Stem the out-migration of young people | 43% | 46% | 30% | 18% | 4 | 8 | -4 |
| Ensure young people understand benefits of working in the skilled trades | 49% | 46% | 27% | 36% | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Provide better supports to those who face barriers entering the labour market | 36% | 73% | 27% | 18% | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Encourage employers to provide more and better training | 67% | 91% | 23% | 46% | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Address literacy and numeracy issues in the general population | 56% | 91% | 17% | 36% | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Attract more immigrants with the job skills we need | 27% | 36% | 17% | 9% | 9 | 11 | -2 |
| Increase economic productivity through investments in R&D and training | 47% | 82% | 13% | 18% | 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship | 38% | 55% | 13% | 9% | 11 | 10 | 1 |
| Encourage older workers to continue working for several more years | 8% | 18% | 3% | 9% | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Do nothing - let the market forces naturally resolve the issue | 3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| Number of respondents | 35 | 11 | 30 | 11 | N/A | N/A | N/A |