Sept. 2018 – Spotlight on Regional Business Issues

With a Municipal Election around the corner, what are the key regional business issues that impact Peninsula Manufacturers and Industry? These issues apply across the political spectrum to whomever represents the newly elected councils on the Peninsula.

Free Trade

Peninsula Manufacturers are significant exporters. In fact, the majority of these companies export on average 80% of their products. As a sector, regional manufacturers are in favour of free trade and welcome improving efficiency and productivity to enhance global competitiveness. These companies may be hidden from the main transportation modes, but they are major players on the global stage!

Training / Skill Trades

Numerous Federal government job training and industry funded R&D programs are integral to the manufacturing sector’s growth and sustainability. Since the majority of the Federally sponsored programs are administered thru Provincial Ministries, municipal government must continue to be aware and supportive of these programs for Industry.

Housing

Peninsula Manufacturers are in strong support of increasing affordable workforce housing inventory. The SNSIG has been very vocal about this issue and will continue to advocate to the newly elected Municipal councils.

Transportation

Transportation related solutions for operational reasons and employee groups continue to be a major issue for Industry members. Can large trucks move efficiently thru an increasingly populated and busy highway system? Are current Transit options sufficient to move upwards of three shifts of employees thru the Peninsula? Is the Colwood Crawl a barrier to attracting & retaining employees?

Let’s keep these issues front and center as we collectively work ourselves thru the numerous all candidates meetings and media events for these budding municipal politicians.