Vihti What interesting times. Oil at an unexpected low price, our dollar depreciating in value and interest rates being slashed to unprecedented levels. A provincial government rushing to election in avoidance of presenting finances, and a Federal government delaying financials release because they are too far from an election date. Are things really this bad? … Continued
A new year ushers in new opportunities and perhaps new challenges. As one year draws to a close, a new beginning opens new possibilities. Personally, I feel 2015 has potential to be a great year. For many this will be a difficult year of transition as the economy will be in a period of adaptation. … Continued
Anyone following the dynamic immigration policies of the last few years will appreciate both the program complexity and frequency of change to the Temporary Work Permit process. The Federal government is committed to ensuring Canadian workers have the first opportunity to fill all available jobs. While well intentioned there remain some employers who, despite high-localized … Continued
Charlottetown, PE, November 1, 2014 – Island Recruiting/EmployPEI along with four other island companies were awarded funding from the Provincial government’s Pilot and Discovery Fund. The Pilot and Discovery Fund is a competition to find and support projects that are early stage and have a strong potential for success. Research and development requires up-front costs … Continued
The balance has shifted and labour is empowered. Working in a HR firm, which specializes in recruitment, I have witnessed the anticipated shift in power balance from management to labour. If you consider our provincial demographics we know there was a large swell of births post-war(s) that created economic prosperity, investment and innovation. That bulge … Continued
Most small business owners like to keep their head down focused on business while scraping away to try and keep things moving forward. When times are difficult this focus is ever more important, and sensitivities to encumbrances becomes more pronounced. When times are good, it is easy to overlook some irritants. Today, times are tough. … Continued
Societal reform moves at a glacial pace. Change on PEI is arguably slower, and less welcome; but change is underway and so too are unexpected challenge. Recent amendments to Employment Insurance Act were designed to, not so gently nudge, available workers into the workforce. This is appropriate and business owners recognize the purpose behind this … Continued
When you observe the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, there are many commonalities that emerge. Having a vision and an ability to execute is a unique skill, and a trait that is not often embraced. Those who challenge convention are often misunderstood, often criticized and on PEI almost consistently vilified. The burden of business success on … Continued
What do you do if you were a government and despite all your efforts to create economic sparks, the economy just won’t ignite? Even worse, you are staring down the barrel of an election. This is the case both domestically and in our province. Provincially, the coffers are empty. In fact the coffers have been … Continued
This week the little sandbar on the East Coast, and equal partner in the Federation of Canadian Provinces, hosted the First Ministers for their annual retreat. These meetings are not just for professional lobbyists and photo-ops there is also the potential of coming up with meaningful consensus on significant national issues. An area of focus … Continued