Charlottetown, PE (October 6, 2021) – A recent poll conducted by the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce shows that many businesses continue to feel the impact of workforce shortages as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Of those who responded, the poll found that:
- 48% considered their business to be in a hard-hit sector (restaurant, retail, tourism and hospitality, transportation, etc.).
- 39% struggled to find staff before the pandemic.
- 68% struggled to find staff during and throughout the pandemic.
- 38% were required to change their business hours of operation due to a staff shortage.
- 75% believe that the federal government should wind down individual-focused programs, while 16% believed they shouldn’t, and 9% were unsure.
- 72% would support winding down current programs and instead have the government invest resources into a worker-focused program, such as a wage top-up program.
“Our members continue to express the challenge they face in finding appropriate staff for their businesses, and this is felt across different industries,” said Robert Godfrey, CEO of the Chamber. “This poll further highlights the need for solutions, and we are working with our members and government to look at solutions that address these workforce gaps in our business community.”
The poll was conducted between September 29 and October 4 and was open to one respondent per GCACC member business.
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About The Chamber:
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce connects business and community and is PEI’s largest business advocacy organization with more than 1,050 members. For more information on the Chamber visit www.charlottetownchamber.com.
Media Contact:
Sam MacPhail
Policy and Communications Manager
smacphail@charlottetownchamber.com
(902) 628-2000 x 224