Description

Power Up for Growth

No matter the industry, workforce shortage has been a hot topic in PEI for years. This issue has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our province's aging population, inflation, and more.

As a community, we are stronger together. Join us for this engaging and collaborative session as trade experts, industry professionals, and your fellow Chamber members share valuable expertise on tackling the ongoing labour shortage.

Our lineup of presenting members will kick off Small Business Week with thought-provoking discussions on their own workforce challenges, how they're overcoming them, and their top tips on recruitment and retention funding, resources, and best practices.

About our speakers:

Jason Aspin, CEO/CTO, 
Aspin Kemp and Associates

Jason Aspin co-founded Aspin Kemp and Associates (AKA) in 1996. Since graduating in marine engineering from the Canadian Coast Guard College in 1987 with specializations in power engineering and systems integration, he has built over 35 years of progressive experience in systems engineering. As an innovator, he designs solutions which are both socially and environmentally responsible often introducing energy storage technologies to new applications. He has collaborated with other global innovators to develop new technologies of which several have been patented and have made a significant contribution in reducing the environmental footprint, increasing reliability, and reducing operating costs.

Learn more about Aspin Kemp & Associates

 

Jeff Burry,
Executive Director, PEI Workforce Innovation Partnership

Jeff Burry is an economic development practitioner with three decades of public sector experience and leadership at the federal, provincial and municipal levels across Atlantic Canada. 

Over 20 years in multiple capacities with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Government of Canada), Jeff advanced priorities in international trade, enterprise development, innovation and immigration. 

Currently, Jeff is on secondment to Holland College to establish the PEI Workforce Innovation Partnership as a new initiative to strengthen institutional engagement with industry, community and government stakeholders on workforce development in the province. 

A born and bred Newfoundlander, Jeff holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science/Business from Memorial University and a Masters degree in Political Science from the University of Waterloo. 

Outside of work, Jeff is an active community volunteer and loves to play the sticks (golf and drums)! 

Preparing PEI's labour force for the future
 

Hariana Brooks, 
Outreach Officer, IRCC

Hariana Brooks is an Outreach Officer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Atlantic Canada. Hariana moved coasts after growing up in British Columbia and began her career with IRCC in 2013 in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she continues to live and work. Hariana originally immigrated to Canada from the United States and this experience fueled her passion and interest in Immigration. In her role as a the Halifax-based Outreach Officer for the Atlantic provinces, Hariana is motivated to assist employers, learning institutions and internationals students in navigating federal economic immigration programs.

Cindy-Lynn has been a proud public servant for over 16 years and most recently joined Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2019 under the Atlantic Settlement Network. Cindy-Lynn is born and raised in New Brunswick's Acadian peninsula and is an avid advocate of Atlantic growth opportunities and long-term prosperity. In her role as a Fredericton-based Outreach Officer serving the Atlantic Provinces, she actively works on promotion IRCC's key immigration priorities.



About IRCC:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is the federal department that facilitates the arrival of immigrants and foreign nationals, provides protection to refugees and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. IRCC created the Dedicated Service Channel (DSC) in June 2017 in order to provide specialized immigration services and supports to key stakeholders so that Canada can attract and retain global talent as well as strengthen the economy. The DSC mandate is delivered through three types of activities: outreach, employer support, and acceleration. 

The Outreach Team is strategically located across Canada to provide a range of outreach and engagement services to help stakeholders understand and navigate the immigration system. Outreach Officers provide support by way of speaking at events, meeting directly with employers, as well as offering their regularly scheduled virtual learning series. 

Hot to contact IRCC Outreach Officers: IRCC.DNEngagement@cic.gc.ca
Website: Canada.ca/hire-immigrants
Information sheets: Canada?s economic immigration programs - Canada.ca