Project Backgrounder
In January 2007, a regional tourism labour market project was kicked off in the Kootenay Rockies region with the goal to develop a long-term, comprehensive human resources strategy to support tourism growth to 2015. Funded through Services Canada, this research and planning includes both the East and West Kootenays and is a part of a larger project that involves developing such strategies for all tourism regions within the province.
The steering committee is comprised of local business leaders, tourism operators, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Ktunaxa Nation, go2, College of the Rockies, Selkirk College and Unite Here Canada Local 40 Union.
Findings from research and consultations with tourism operators and other interested stakeholders thoughout the region will be used as a foundation to develop this human resources strategy. The plan, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2007, will include recommendations on recruitment, retention and training to support tourism growth now and over the next decade.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Human Resource Strategy Report
The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Human Resource Strategy Report was developed by tourism employers and other stakeholders in the Kootenay Rockies region to address the Human Resource issues outlined in the Labour Market Report prepared by Ruth Emery. The report contains both strategies and tactics to address these issues.
Labour Market Report
A new labour market analysis report by Ruth Emery, Canbritic Consultants Ltd., confirms that labour shortages being felt in this region will worsen over the next decade. Emery is highly regarded as a labour economist in Canada.