Province needs more workers
June 27, 2009
Saskatchewan must increase its employment base in order to continue its economic growth over the long-term, according to a new study released Friday.
The province, like the rest of Western Canada, is facing labour shortages and a strain on productivity that will eventually begin to threaten economic momentum, the Conference Board of Canada concluded in its new report entitled Western Canada: Productivity, Competitiveness, and Potential.
“I think labour is a big concern looking out as the baby boomers age and move into retirement, so it’s going to be important for Saskatchewan to make sure it has both the quantity and quality of labour it needs,” said Paul Darby, the conference board’s deputy chief economist.
The report also highlighted concerns about business spending on research and development and measured labour productivity. Darby said the province must also work on retaining the skilled labour force graduating from Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions or face hits to the economy.
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Source : Cassandra Kyle, The Starphoenix
