WHEREAS there is an increasing demand for construction workers to build the Olympics and other related facilities; AND WHEREAS there is an inadequate supply of BC construction workers; AND WHEREAS there are an increasing number of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness who could become employment-ready and obtain employment: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM urge the provincial government to financially support and expand employment services and training programs, including programs like Bladerunners and other programs that provide assistance to help homeless people transition to employment.
Ministry of Economic Development The Province has invested in 25,000 new post-secondary training seats and will additionally expend over 77 million this year in funding support to the Industry Training Authority ITA. The ITA has achieved a 30 increase in trainee participation as of July 2005, and is targeting to increase registered apprentices to 24,000 by the end of this fiscal year. The number of employers registering apprentices has also risen in the past year, from 6,740 in March 2004, to 8,246 employers by July 2005. The increase in industry trainees and apprenticeship placements will help provide British Columbia with the skilled trades and technical workers it needs to meet the demands of our Provinces growing economy, preparation for the Olympic Games, and retirement replacement. The Construction Sector is well placed to take a leadership role in sector-specific initiatives based on accurate labour market information. The Industry Training Authority will work with the Construction Sector to identify labour market gaps and needs, review programs standards, monitor program delivery, and to develop new programs that are responsive to employer needs. Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance On March 26, 2004, the ministry granted 3.25 million to the Vancouver Agreement through the City of Vancouver in trust. The grant funds a demonstration project for Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance MEIA clients residing in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside DTES. The demonstration project will further the goals of the Vancouver Agreement Employment Strategy VAES. The demonstration project will assist around 700 highly-barriered clients including homeless clients to move toward sustainable employment through a combination of individual assessments, coordinated case management services, skills training targeted at growth sectors e.g. construction and post-employment supports. The strategy will unfold over a three-year period due to the multi-barriered nature of the client group. Ministry of Community Services The Ministry of Community Services has allocated 475,000 to the Bladerunners program for 200506. The program also receives funding from the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agencies and the federal government. The Bladerunners program has a success rate of approximately 65 employment one year after program completion with 80 Aboriginal and 30 women participating in the program last fiscal year. The provincial funds for 0506 represent an increase over the last two years of funding and ensure an increase in the number of at risk-youth that are able to enter into the construction industry. For the 2010 Olympic venues and related construction in the Vancouver area there is already a demonstrated commitment to hire Bladerunners. The Trade and Convention Centre has two Bladerunners on site now and expects to increase those numbers over the course of site construction. The Bladerunner program is in discussions with companies that will be responsible for construction on the Olympic venues with an understanding that Bladerunners will be hired on to those sites. In 2003, there was a commitment made by 20 developers and construction companies in the Greater Vancouver area to hire Bladerunners and provide a wage top-up.