YORKTON - The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced a partnership with Hospitality Saskatchewan to address labour shortages in the hospitality industry.
Through the partnership, the province is helping hospitality sector employers find the workforce they need, while also connecting Saskatchewan people to local, in-demand jobs.
The partnership provides $400,000 to Hospitality Saskatchewan to expand and strengthen workforce development initiatives in the hospitality sector by leading the development of a sector plan to recruit, settle and retain local and international workers.
Randy Goulden, executive director with Tourism Yorkton suggested the investment is a good one.
“Thank you to the Government of Saskatchewan, recognizing and addressing the need to enhance the labour shortages in the province,” she said in an interview with Yorkton This Week.
“The funding will grow partnerships along with the tourism industry, along with bringing visiting to our communities.”
The money is to enhance the sector, offered Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are foundational to Saskatchewan's hospitality and tourism sector, and they play a vital role in Saskatchewan's economy through job creation and driving growth in all regions of the province," he said in a government release. "This investment supports Saskatchewan's Labour Market Strategy by preparing job-seekers for the opportunities employers in the tourism and hospitality sector are creating, with a focus on growing Indigenous participation in the workforce."
The funding provided to Hospitality Saskatchewan will help develop workforce solutions tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality sector. This includes expanding and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities to grow the participation of Indigenous people in the tourism sector and connecting businesses to newcomer settlement supports.
"This is terrific news and will better position our industry to address the labour shortages faced by our membership," Hospitality Saskatchewan President and CEO Jim Bence said in the release. "We are very pleased with this investment in our industry by the government and we much appreciate their continued support."
By working directly with industry, the province is better positioned to provide employers with the support required to address job vacancies and promote growth in the industry.
The Government of Saskatchewan works with partners like Hospitality Saskatchewan to help address labour shortages, support newcomer settlement in Saskatchewan, and promote careers in growing industries. These targeted investments support the recently released Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which outlines how the province is growing and developing the workforce to meet employer demand and ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the province's growing economy.
