Businesses struggling to find and retain qualified workers amid widespread labour shortages
From concrete finishing to heating, cooling and mechanical labour, local businesses say they’re struggling — not just to find qualified workers but retain them as well.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 55 per cent of small businesses are affected by labour shortages.
One of the hardest-hit sectors, experts say, is restaurants.
Aside from big-name fast food joints, local eateries such as La Rucola, Salt Sushi and Armando’s all have jobs posted online for local recruitment.
But according to Dave Deluzio, executive professional at Roseland Golf and Curling Club, they are not seeing the same amount of people applying as they previously would.
For applicants they do make the cut, however, Deluzio adds they bail on the opportunity shortly after being offered a position.
"We've had people qualified for the job. They seem excited and then, after a couple of days, they decide the job isn't for them.”
In response, some employers are promising incentives.
"If we find some kids with a bit of ambition, we will pay for the schooling, their gas licence, whatever it may be. We help them with all of that,” said Grant Higginbottom of Syles Mechanical.
“We are looking for sheet metal workers, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians. We’ve been looking for everybody.”
Meanwhile, Bonduelle is looking to hire both seasonal and full-time workers by offering a $1,500 signing bonus in hopes of attracting more applicants.
In the public safety sector, Windsor police is looking to recruit people by setting up booths at community events.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.