Media Release | Response to the Report on the 2023 B.C. Budget Consultation
Chilliwack, BC—August 16, 2022— Thursday’s release of the Report on the Budget 2023 Consultation by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Service demonstrated a commitment by the British Columbia Government toward addressing the province’s complex labour challenges in the manufacturing sector and beyond.Â
The Committee included two key recommendations of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC in its report relating to jobs, skills, and training:Â
- Recommending continued investment in Sector Labour Market Partnership funding initiatives to collaboratively solve industry challenges
- Recommending an increase in programs promoting inclusive leadership for the BC Employer Training Grant to help more small and medium-sized businesses access outside expertise to transform their workplace cultures
“We took the opportunity in the public consultation to draw connections between the labour and climate change challenges facing our manufacturing members and the health and safety of British Columbia workplaces,” noted Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC CEO Lisa McGuire. “We look forward to working with the B.C. Government to get these recommendations included in Budget 2023.”
The Alliance advocated for increased funding of provincial initiatives to support collaborative solutions for employers—including retooling and long-term skills training to transform workplace cultures. In the report, the Committee’s report highlighted several additional Alliance recommendations: Â
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC emphasized that there are not enough qualified health and safety professionals in the manufacturing sector. They advocated for continued investment in Sector Labour Market Partnership funding initiatives as this funding has been instrumental to collaboratively solve industry challenges.
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC stated that developing health and safety management systems has been successfully shown to have higher safety performance outcomes. They added that funding to assist manufacturers with establishing occupational health and safety systems could assist companies with building and maintaining a sustainable culture.
The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC commends the Select Standing Committee on Finance for recommendations that will help British Columbia employers adapt to a rapidly changing world of work while keeping their employees healthy and safe and looks forward to working with the Government and other stakeholders in the implementation.
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About the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC (www.safetyalliancebc.ca) is the not-for-profit health and safety association for British Columbia manufacturers and food processors and WorkSafeBC Certifying Partner for the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence (the Certificate of Recognition, or COR, program for the manufacturing sector). The Alliance is committed to transforming the health and safety culture of organizations through effective OHS management systems, training, and certification.
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC CEO Lisa McGuire is available for interview or comment.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Wiebe, Marketing Manager
604-795-9595 x222 | [email protected] Â
