In partnership with the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, we will be hosting a four-part seminar series for employers, businesses and organizations in the Ladysmith/Stz’uminus area.
These sessions aim to offer training, education, and support to reduce barriers when recruiting, hiring, and retaining people earning a low income and/or seeking employment. Each seminar may include a guest/panel speaker(s) to share stories and expertise with an opportunity for discussion.
Funding for this has been made possible through provincial poverty reduction planning & action funds awarded to the Town of Ladysmith.
The topics that will be covered will include:
- Exploring the costs, benefits and impacts of paying a living wage, including a panel of living wage advocates and employers to share personal stories. (the 2022 living wage for the Cowichan Region is $23.53/hr, based on a family of four with two working adults)
- Cultural safety training and designing protocols that enable employers to create a business/work culture that reduces barriers and supports Indigenous employees to thrive.
- Share successful Provincial TogetherBC Poverty Reduction initiatives that identify new ways to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
- Updates on Provincial employment standards with an expert to present information and answer questions.
Discussions will include woven in themes around adapting to changing workplace cultures, diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and exploring best practices to promote health & wellness.
As all of these themes are interrelated there is lots to discuss, learn and share!