Business owners, employed and unemployed Merrittonians were invited to take part in a Thriving Communities Labour Market survey earlier this year.
While the minimum threshold was 100 survey responses, Merritt submitted far and above this number, completing 561 in total.
A joint effort of many parts, the survey project was guided by Community Futures Thompson Country and funded through the Labour Market Partnership stream of the province’s Community and Employer Partnerships program. Community engagement was a collaboration between strategic partners such as Amplify Consulting Inc., WorkBC, the City of Merritt and Community Futures Nicola Valley, with the results being amalgamated into a report by O’Leary and Associates.
In an economy that has been drastically affected by the downturn in the forestry sector, citizens are hoping to identify current gaps and lobby for new opportunities by completing the Labour Market Survey.
Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, hopes the study will do just that for Merrittonians.
“The province is looking at ways to support communities affected by the downturn in the forest sector. A study like Merritt’s Labour Market Review provides citizens and local employers insights into current labour conditions, identifies opportunities and gaps, and provides a stable framework for revitalizing and rebuilding the region,” said Simpson.
Due to the strong response, the City of Merritt and Work BC have partnered to host a Thriving Communities Presentation and Resources Showcase to reveal the results of the survey and explain what the data means for Merritt, moving forward.
Local MLA Jackie Tegart has shown support for the survey and optimism regarding the results.
“These kind of surveys with a resulting action plan are a catalyst for a community,” said Tegart. “When you have excellent data, it sets the foundation for new investments and innovative thinking. It helps us as a community know where we are, where some of our challenges exist, and how we’re going to move forward. I am looking forward to seeing the results and collaborating with community partners so we can further Merritt’s ability to thrive today and into the future.”
The free event will be held at the Merritt Civic Centre on Friday, Feb. 27, beginning at 5pm.
