LEDC seeks $1.5M from city to woo new workers

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Worry over the shortage of workers in London is growing and the agency charged with attracting and growing business in London is pitching a $1.5-million solution to city hall.

The London Economic Development Corp. is asking the city for $500,000 a year over three years to kick-start several programs aimed at getting more workers here, states a report to a city committee.

LEDC wants to see more research to identify key areas where there is a shortfall, to market the city as a destination globally to get talent wanting to come here, and finally to launch a “targeted recruitment campaign” with agencies and get more students from more countries to study and work here.

“Companies are struggling to find talent across every industry, every size and sector from hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, technology or health. There is a shortage of workers and this will help address that,” said Kapil Lakhotia, LEDC chief executive.

The London region jobless rate is 4.8 per cent and in 2023 the region will have about 4,000 new jobs, including an Amazon fulfillment centre in Southwold Township and a Maple Leaf Foods chicken processing plant.

International students can work here for three years after graduation, offering them a foothold to remain here permanently.

“The usual movement of people from Toronto is not addressing the problem. There are gaps in the labour market,” Lakhotia said. “We don’t have enough people here, we have to look overseas for new Canadians.”

The proposal goes to city council’s strategic priorities and policy committee meeting Tuesday. Coun. Maureen Cassidy called the plan “a step in the right direction.”

In 2018 the city launched a newcomer strategy to support immigrants and refugees in the city and the LEDC initiative may build on that to draw even more people here and help them find work.

“The need is great and this plan can grow the workers coming here, get them to choose London. It adds concrete action to the city’s strategy,” Cassidy said.

“We have all these businesses coming to London, all these jobs, and there is a shortage”

Fanshawe College will also support the plan, said Wendy Curtis, dean of the international student program. The school attracts about 7,000 international students a year from India, China, Brazil, South Vietnam and South Korea, to name a few countries.

She would like to see that expanded to include Nepal, Pakistan and countries in Africa, to start.

“We are entirely supportive. We know our students are here because they want the opportunity to work, and if they gain those skills, they will stay here and help address the labour market shortage,” Curtis said.

“Once international students come to London, they don’t want to leave. The problem is attracting students from under-represented countries.”

Lakhotia said he would like to see the city directly pursue Ukrainian refugees to help address the need. These initiatives may help, he added.

He said he would also like to see a “nomination program” in which skilled trades workers can be identified and nominated by a business for a fast-track approval process from federal immigration authorities.

“It would fast-track individuals who fit roles for high growth areas and have a low supply of workers,” Lakhotia said.

In addition, the city committee will hear a pitch from the London Chamber of Commerce to fund a $47,000 program that will offer workshops to coach new business on pressing issues they face.

As well, the London Music Office and Film London are asking the city for $165,000 for grants to restaurants with patios so they can buy equipment to stage performances for live music and cultural performances.

ndebono@postmedia.com

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