TORONTO — Eighty per cent of Canadian manufacturers surveyed in a new report are facing an immediate labour and skills shortage.
The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters survey of 563 companies across 19 sectors found the need for skilled labourers has been growing rapidly for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation.
CME says 70 per cent of manufacturers had a shortage of labour and skills in 2018, up from 40 per cent in 2016.
The group says government support measures for Canadians during the pandemic may be discouraging people from seeking jobs in manufacturing.
CME says the lack of labour and skills is impeding growth and limiting manufacturers’ ability to innovate and invest in technology, which it will need to serve future needs and keep up with competitors.
The manufacturing group represents more than 2,500 companies across Canada and issues the Management Issues Survey biennially.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2020.
