On November 8, Niagara College participated in the 2022 Niagara Economic Summit, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce at White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The theme of the summit was “A Roadmap for Growth” and featured plenary speakers and panel discussions around topics including the state of the national, provincial and regional economy, as well as local workforce challenges and the current housing situation in Niagara.
The Chamber’s CEO Mishka Balsom, who is also Chair of the NC Board of Governors, kicked off the event, which was livestreamed by students and faculty from NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program. She encouraged government and business leaders to think about their commonalities when working together to help Niagara thrive, and provided insights into the key challenges the region is experiencing coming out of a global pandemic and with a recession looming.
“Inflation, labour shortages and supply chain problems… the rising costs and the housing crisis that has taken affordability away from so many,” said Balsom. “Finding solutions to these problems will be central to ensure our future prosperity and that is exactly what we intend to do.”
The idea of finding common ground to build a stronger Niagara, was echoed by NC President Sean Kennedy who provided welcome remarks at the event, along with Brock University President Dr. Lesley Rigg and Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley.
“Partnerships and working with industry has always been core to who we are as Niagara’s college,” said Kennedy, who highlighted NC’s ranking as a top 10 applied research college in Canada for the last 10 years. “When Niagara works together, we strengthen this region, we strengthen each other and we’re putting our best foot forward.”
“As a post-secondary institution with global reach, Niagara College is proud to be part of this vibrant community and to truly be a committed partner in the economic competitiveness of the Niagara Region,” he added. “We do this through supporting key sectors of our economy and engaging with business and community organizations, and we’re proud to train the next generation of workers – the skilled workforce that Niagara so needs.”
Jeff Murrell, the College’s Associate Dean, School of Trades, also participated in the summit. He was among a group of experts who discussed the “War for Talent” in Niagara, with panelists poring over how businesses can navigate the gap between Niagara’s needs and its labour force.
During the discussion, Murrell was asked about the role that international students can play in addressing Niagara’s labour shortage. “We have international students who take our programs and they can become valuable members of our community,” he said.
“We need to embrace these students and make them feel welcome, so that they will stay in Niagara to not only achieve their credential, but to transition their credential to meaningful employment. These students, who may lay down roots and raise a family here, can be a critical piece in helping to solve that issue of the shortage of labour.”
Murrell noted that the opportunity to participate in the summit was a valuable experience.
“It was very interesting to learn more about the shortage in other sectors including healthcare,” he said. “In understanding how other areas of the region can all work together, we can help bridge the gap to finding talent. It’s everyone’s problem and it was enlightening to discuss how everyone can play a role in this.”
Earlier this year, Niagara College received a $1.2 million Skills Development Fund grant from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to support the delivery of a customized Construction Skills training program. The program, delivered in partnership with the Niagara Home Builders’ Association, is helping to meet the demand for skilled trades workers in the residential construction industry, including training for drywall installation and roofing professionals.
Murrell says the School of Trades will continue to seek partnerships that will help the region obtain the employees they need in the skilled trades.
A recording of the summit is available to watch on the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce website.
While we enjoy lunch, take a look behind the scenes at #NES2022 – here's the tech that makes it happen, with A/V from @soundboxpro and @yourtvniagara and streaming from @niagaracollege broadcasting! pic.twitter.com/MAXOOxzF3j
— The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (@the_GNCC) November 8, 2022
