HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-26 EDAC Minutes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 26, 2019 City of Kitchener
A meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at 11:03am this date,
chaired by M. Bingeman, and vice-chaired by B. Whittaker, with all members present, except
M. Blunt and Councilor Margaret Johnston.
STAFF:
B. Bennett, Manager of Business Development
C. Bluhm, Executive Director of Economic Development
V. Boyle, Economic Development Assistant
L. Connor, Economic Researcher
Information Items
1. Skilled Talent Retention & Attraction: A. Greco, Director of Manufacturing Policy at
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
A. Greco gave the committee an overview of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
(CME), a not for profit organization that focuses on supporting manufacturers grow across
Canada. The aim of the CME is to reduce cost of business in Canada, strengthen the labour
pool of skilled trade workers, and stimulate investment in manufacturing. CME has
approximately 2500 company members across Canada and 400 in Ontario alone - 85% of
these members are small-medium manufacturers.
A. Greco described the Industry 2030 project which his team at CME is focusing on. This
project is doing a deep dive into what a manufacturing strategy should look like in Ontario
what pain points companies are feeling, what is stunting growth, and what policy changes
should look like.
A. Greco described that more and more of these businesses represented by CME are finding it
increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled trades staff and laborers. CME is currently
focusing attention on building partnerships within the education system to increase awareness
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 26, 2019 City of Kitchener
of skills trade, apprenticeships, and degrees in science technology and math. They are finding
ways to get to the table with the government to increase support for STEAM education in the
standard curriculum as well as including more practicum options. CME is also focusing on
finding ways of attracting traditionally underrepresented groups to skilled trades and
manufacturing.
A. Greco explained that the talent and skill trade shortage is going to take time to fix but it is
incredibly important that
amplified in 10 years.
A. Greco also discussed the importance of the made in Ontario brand the telling the success
stories of the companies that continue to operate in Ontario. To increase this awareness will
increase the power that manufacturing has and awareness of the industry.
Following the presentation the committee discussed experiences with labour shortages,
retention issues, and examples of countries/communities who have been in similar situations
with skilled trades including Germany.
2. Make It Kitchener 2.0 - Strategy Workshop: C. Bluhm and L. Connor
C. Bluhm presented to the committee giving an update on the Make It Kitchener Economic
Development Strategy Refresh. Cory explained the process that the project has taken to date
and the plan for community consultation over the summer.
Then the committee was broken into two groups to discuss challenges and opportunities that
committee members saw as most important for our community to focus on. Some of the topics
discussed included affordability of housing, connectivity of communities, tourism and facilities,
as well as art institutions and creative industries.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:59 pm.
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