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As we wind down 2012, the Team and Board of Directors at Electricity Human Resources Canada would like to wish you and your families a very happy and safe Christmas holiday and look forward to all of the exciting things to come in the New Year.
2013 will be the year for driving action to ensure that we meet the needs of our workforce going forward.
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Funding axed, but no plans to turn out the lights
In light of demand for skilled labour far outweighing the supply in today's labour market, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) - formerly the Electricity Sector Council - has doubled down on its efforts to keep the lights on in Canada. We continue to operate as the innovative hub for research into human resources trends and sector-specific solutions to Canada's skilled-labour shortage.
The EHRC Board of Directors is pleased to announce that with the support of stakeholders we are continuing our thrust forward beyond March 31, 2013, when funding through the federal Sector Council Program from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) ends.
Rebrand Launched
A new chapter is being written in Canada's electricity industry. As you may have heard, on November 15th, 2012 we announced the birth of our new name, rebrand and intuitive new website (www.electricityhr.ca) as we simplify the way that we represent the industry and how we shape our communications with our stakeholders. Simply stated, our new direction reinforces the value that we generate for the industry.
The feedback that we have received from stakeholders throughout the industry has overwhelmingly indicated the realities and severities of the issues they face today and in the near future with severe widespread skilled labour shortages across Canada.
See below for more about our new business model.
With the rebranding of our organization, it became evident that our website needed to be revised and improved to make access to our products and services easier. You will be able to better navigate the information about our projects and programs, locate reports and research, and find what you're looking for more efficiently by visiting our new website: www.electricityhr.ca
Our new website has been designed to quickly find what you are looking for, from workforce labour market research, HR best practices or occupational standards to name but a few.
New Self-Sufficient Business Model Implemented for 2013
We are also pleased to announce a new strategic direction for EHRC as we implement a re-focused business plan that includes a new self-sufficient model endorsed by the EHRC Board of Directors for the coming year.
As the authoritative hub for research, learning and networking for the entire electricity and renewable energy, in the coming year we will continue to supply invaluable industry-focused human resources information and tools that empowers employers to match workforce supply and demand.
Since our organization's inception in 2005, EHRC (then ESC) has relied on operational funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada through the federal Sector Council Program. But recent budget cuts mean the end of government funding to all sector councils.
With a proven track record of 8 years of creating powerful connections for all the players in the industry-business, labour, government, and academia, we will continue to be a sustainable conduit for the industry to address current and future needs for a highly skilled, safety-focused, diverse and productive workforce in the years to come.
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New format for 2013 - Under a new direction in 2013 we are refocusing on our industry-led forums where each agenda will be driven by regional working group members.
So What Exactly Does a Regional Working Group Do?
Working groups are a gathering of a group of industry experts, like you, from across the industry that are committed to dealing with workforce challenges through strengthening industry partnerships and enhancing collaborations to mitigate the pending labour shortage within the electricity and renewable energy industry. We currently have 4 working groups across the country with 3 more yet to be established. The working groups have been organized by regions: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Atlantic have been created already with Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan), North/Off-Grid (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) and Quebec to follow.
The point of the working groups is to provide a forum for various stakeholders in the sector to gather and dialogue on the various human resources issues that affect the industry across the country as a whole. The working groups also serve to establish and build cross-jurisdictional partnerships and relationships that will enable collaborative action to address a number of key issues such as (but not limited to) the following:
- Adequacy of training facilities/infrastructure to meet industry needs
- Challenges and issues for workforce initiatives dependent on rate review and regulatory protocols
- Immigration barriers to industry workforce supply
- Lack of awareness among youth and applicants of opportunities within the industry
- Rural and remote work challenges for the industry
Our working groups meet approximately twice a year either via teleconference or with a half day face-to-face meeting. As part of our feedback from our stakeholders, we are looking to ensure that these meetings result in practical and tangible outputs for all participants. In order to do that we need to ensure the agenda reflects the needs of the region, and so we want to hear from you on what you would like to discuss with your industry peers. All working group members will receive regular updates on the projects that the working group is involved with as well as those undertaken by Electricity Human Resources Canada nationally.
Please contact Anita Kolodziejski, Coordinator of Projects & Stakeholder Relations today to join or to obtain more information. 613-235-5540 ext. 238, Kolodziejski@electricityhr.ca
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Don't Miss the Industry Event of 2013!
2013 Conference and Inaugural Awards Gala - Date TBA soon!
An event not to be missed! EHRC is very pleased to announce the 2013 Annual Conference will be held in Fall 2013. The Inaugural Awards Gala will be the main event on the first evening. This one of a kind event will bring the industry together to celebrate and provide national recognitions for the human resource achievements of individuals and companies working in the electricity and renewables industry in Canada.
The two day conference will feature notable speakers, fundamental concurrent sessions regarding human resource challenges facing our industry and the opportunities they bring, as well as several unique opportunities to network with your peers. Don't miss a chance to gain and share knowledge with Canada's leading electricity sector organizations and companies.
EHRC will be unveiling the exciting details including event date, theme and award nominations in early 2013. Stay tuned for a sneak peek in the January e-newsletter! Don't miss the electricity industry event of the year!
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Bridging the Gap
Thank you! We are very delighted by the interest generated in response to our call for program partners and the number of partners that have confirmed has been overwhelming.
A few months ago, we sent a request for stakeholder support for our Bridging the Gap program. The focus of this essential program is to build and execute strategies that encourage increasing women participation in the industry by increasing enrollment in engineering and trades program. Our aim is to reach the $350,000 in the first quarter of 2013 with an anticipated April 1st 2013 official kick off to this strategic program. Our work is only just beginning and details will be provided in upcoming newsletter issues.
We wish to thank our founding contributing program partners, without whom this would not be possible.
GoldSponsors - Hydro One
Silver Sponsor - Engineers Canada, Ontario Power Generation
Many Canadian colleges, post-secondary academic institutions, and Women in Nuclear (Win) have signed up to be involved in the program as it rolls out. If you are interested in supporting this program please contact Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer at branigan@electricityhr.ca.
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The Aboriginal Business Assistance Program
In August of this year, Electricity Human Resources Canada began work on its Aboriginal Business Assistance Program. The goal of this project is to build upon recommendations from EHRC's Diagnostic of Aboriginal Procurement Strategies project by assisting Aboriginal businesses to further develop their capacity to participate in the electricity and renewables industry. This project consists of a number of workshops designed to work with the businesses on the various components of a typical industry RFP process and a preferred vendor list. They will also have the valuable opportunity to network with utilities and other industry stakeholders to discuss possible partnership opportunities and to learn more about each other.
The first workshop will be held on January 22nd in Prince George, BC and the second workshop will be held on January 29th in Toronto, ON. We are currently working on a third workshop for early February in Saskatchewan (location TBD). If you would like to participate or know of an organization that might be interested, please contact us: aboriginal@electricityhr.ca or for more information click here.
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Articles of Interest
- HR's responsibility for career management - Helping employees manage their own careers (HR Reporter Blog Oct. 16, 2012) http://bit.ly/X5ge6O
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Contact Us
Address: 130 Slater Street, Suite 600
Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2
Phone: (613) 235-5540
Fax: (613) 235-6922
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Upcoming Events
- January 10, 2013, Lord Elgin Hotel Ottawa - Renewable Futures Steering Committee Meeting
- January 22, 2013 - Aboriginal Business Assistance Program British Columbia Workshop
- January 29, 2013 - Aboriginal Business Assistance Program Ontario Workshop
- February 7, 2013, EHRC Board Meeting
- Fall 2013 - Conference and Inaugural Awards Gala
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