Comprehensive labour market information

As noted earlier in this chapter, adequate labour market information is essential to the operation of an effective transition system. Employers are the key providers of that information. They are also its major users. We propose a major overhaul of labour market information available in Canada, with the establishment of local and national employment opportunities databases, a database of job seekers, and a database of hirings and separations by industry and occupation. Although compiling such data will be difficult, we are confident that the outcome is worth a persistent effort by the many parties concerned. An understanding by all partners, and especially employers, of the role and value of the information collected for the efficiency of the labour market and, hence, the transition system, is essential for the information to be comprehensive.

A good information system brings ample benefits to all. In the absence of a compulsory system forcing commitment from individuals and employers, market forces should demonstrate that returns obtained from providing information to the system are higher than the associated costs. Although it is difficult to list all the benefits of the labour market information system that we propose, some of the most striking are:

• minimization of hiring costs;
• minimization of the cost of job placement;
• minimization of the cost of job search;
• reduction of the paper burden;
• minimization of the duration of unemployment, hence unemployment insurance costs;
• provision of a wider range of opportunities for employers and job seekers.
  
  
  

Statement of belief

The CLFDB and the provincial/territorial and local boards should actively emphasize the importance of relevant and comprehensive labour market information, in general, and strive to make headway in establishing the system that this report outlines.