A short review of hirings and dismissals in some companies in Canada, in October 2024
Hirings
The Manitoba government has announced significant progress in its initiative to hire 1,000 new health care workers. This effort comes in response to the ongoing challenges faced by the province’s health care system, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is implementing various strategies to attract and retain professionals, including increased funding for training programs and competitive salaries.
As of now, the province has already filled a substantial number of positions, with a focus on nursing, allied health, and support staff roles. Officials emphasize the importance of expanding the workforce to enhance patient care and reduce wait times. The initiative aims not only to address immediate staffing shortages but also to create a sustainable health care workforce for the future.
In addition to hiring, the government is collaborating with educational institutions to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified candidates. The overall goal is to build a more resilient health care system that can better serve the needs of Manitobans. This commitment reflects the province’s recognition of the critical role that health care workers play in maintaining public health and safety.
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More than 50 000 engineers needed in Quebec by 2035
A recent report reveals that there is an alarming shortage of more than 50,000 engineers in Canada, exacerbated by factors such as the aging population and increasing demand in various sectors. Canadian companies struggle to find qualified talent, which hampers their growth and competitiveness in the international market.
To remedy this situation, initiatives are being put in place to encourage young people to choose careers in engineering, notably through awareness programs in schools and scholarships. Universities are also called upon to adapt their training to better meet the needs of industry.
The government and private companies are in discussions to create long-term solutions, including immigration measures favoring the arrival of skilled workers. Experts emphasize the urgency of acting quickly to prevent this shortage from negatively affecting innovation and economic development in the country. In short, Canada’s engineering sector faces significant challenges, but concerted efforts could help attract and train the next generation of engineers.
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Hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer has been acquired by Ontario-based Fairfax Financial Holdings. This transaction aims to strengthen Bauer’s position in the global market and take advantage of Fairfax’s expertise in the consumer products sector by providing growth opportunities. Fairfax’s intention is to invest more in development and research, so Canadian jobs, approximately 80 jobs at the innovation center located in Blainville (the head office is in Boston), should not a priori be threatened. Indeed, Fairfax intends to support Bauer’s innovation and expand its product range, which promises a dynamic future for the brand.
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Amazon plans to hire 250,000 workers in North America for the holiday season, a goal identical to the previous year. These recruitments include full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, as specified by Sandy Gordon, vice president of Amazon Global Operations. At the same time, the company announced a salary increase, bringing the average hourly wage to more than $22, with a minimum of $18 for seasonal workers. As of June 2024, Amazon had 1.54 million employees worldwide, up 5% from the previous year.
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Norea Capital recently acquired more than 40% of Beaubois, a key player in the construction systems sector. This acquisition is part of a strategy aimed at strengthening Norea’s position in the construction market and expanding its portfolio of activities. Beaubois, recognized for its expertise and capacity for innovation, will allow Norea to diversify its offers and improve its services.
The two companies will share their know-how to develop sustainable solutions adapted to the growing needs in green construction. Norea Capital underlines the importance of this collaboration to face the sector’s challenges, particularly those linked to the energy transition.
The managers are committed to preserving the values and identity of Beaubois. No relocation is planned and this strategic partnership should even generate jobs.
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Rustica foods benefit from a key innovation for SMEs: the use of cartoners, machines that facilitate the packaging of products. This equipment allows companies to save time and reduce costs, while improving the quality of their packaging. The cartoner automates the process, providing an efficient and sustainable solution with the use of recyclable materials for SMEs looking to optimize their production.
The SME will thus be able to better meet the expectations of its consumers while improving its profitability, and plans to generate 25 to 40 new jobs, in addition to the 450 current employees.
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Health PEI is looking to hire five full-time emergency room doctors for Kings County Memorial Hospital in Three Rivers due to an ongoing staffing shortage. Montague Hospital’s emergency room has been closed for four Saturdays, and further closures are expected as the “exceptional” summer pressure on the health system continues. To attract new recruits, the province offers higher pay rates for locum positions and bonuses for those working in rural areas. Additional positions will also be created at Charlottetown’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Alberton’s Western Hospital, which recently closed due to similar staffing issues.
Dismissals
Resolute announced the layoffs of more than 344 workers, including several hundred just five days before Christmas, sparking outrage and concerns among unions and local communities. The move is part of a reorganization aimed at reducing costs and adapting to changing market conditions, particularly in the paper and forest products sector.
Unions denounce the timing of these layoffs, highlighting the emotional and economic impact on employees and their families during the holiday season. They also criticize the lack of communication and support from management.
Resolute, which faces increased competition and economic challenges, said it will continue to evaluate its operations to remain competitive. Laid-off workers will benefit from support measures, although many employees remain concerned about their future.
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BRP will cease its activities related to electric bicycles, and will therefore lay off workers in Bromont. It was the constant pressure experienced by the company linked to the challenges associated with the energy transition that led to this decision. As many sectors strive to reduce their carbon footprint, the need to adopt sustainable technologies is creating internal tensions, and expectations from consumers, regulators and investors to act quickly are pressing.
Leaders must juggle innovation, profitability and implementing green practices. The transition requires considerable investment and efficient resource management, putting additional pressures on teams. The pressure and the climate of uncertainty got the better of the electric bike sector after 2 years of reflection.