Conference Documents and Links
Thank You!
Thank you so much for attending this year's 2026 BC Labour Market Conference on June 4th and 5th. I'd like to personally thank our sponsors including all of the staff and supports of the members of: BC Labour Market Online and the Canadian Job Development Network. Most of all, I would like to thank YOU for taking the time to learn more about our continually changing labour market.
On this page, we've provided links to all of the research, speakers and the topic Presentations. We're also sending an email to all participants (all who registered) with links to the whole presentation.
If you look to the right, you'll see that on September 21st-25th, we'll be hosting our 'Developing a Comprehensive Approach to Job Development' workshops. We've been doing these workshops annual for the last three years and they are the perfect option for someone who is new to job development or an experienced job developer looking to sharpen their skills.
You should find all of the supporting information below. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
All my best!
Christian Saint Cyr
Publisher / Conference Moderator
BC Labour Market Report
Speakers / Topics / Resources
Thursday June 4, 2026
8:30am—4:00pm
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Introduction: Welcome to BC’s changing labour market
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Insights: Jock Finlayson, Chief Economist, Independent Business and Contractors Association
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BC Government Changes: Province Doubles Down on the Look West Strategy
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #1
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Overview: Youth in British Columbia Experience Historic Challenges in Securing Employment
Morning Break
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Sector Analysis: Construction in BC
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Panel Discussion: Impact of Economic Change on British Columbia’s Post-Secondary Education System
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Federal Gov. Response: Breaking down the steps the Federal Government is taking to support the labour market
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National Defence: Supports and Investment in the Canadian Forces
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #2
Lunch Break
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Insights: Tina Strehlke, CEO, Minerva BC Supports Women in the Labour Market
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Labour Market Analysis: Canadian Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Outlook
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Sector Analysis: Tourism in British Columbia
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #3
Afternoon Break
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #4
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Overview: Supporting Indigenous Canadians in our Labour Market
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Insights: Mahtab Laghaei, Policy Analyst, the dais, Toronto Metropolitan University, discusses the ‘Art of AI’
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Insights: Janet Morris Reade, CEO, ASPECT BC, discusses the 2026 ASPECT Conference
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Day 1 Wrap Up
Friday June 5, 2026
8:30am—12:00pm
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Day 2 Keynote Address: Navigating BC’s Labour Market During a Perpetual Skills Shortage
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Insights: Brendon Bernard, Economist, Indeed Hiring Lab
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Sector Analysis: Manufacturing in BC
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Panel Discussion: BC Job Development
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Liz Vermunt
Employer Relations Specialist Manager - Career Services
Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia -
Minal Padmakar Chiplunkar, MA, CCDP
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants, Career Advisor
Back in Motion Rehab Inc. -
Yana Pavlova, BEd, BA
Youth Employment Specialist, Employment Services
KCR Community Resources
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Overview: Supporting Those with Disabilities in our Labour Market
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #5
Morning Break
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Labour Market Amazing Race Challenge #6
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Insights: Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President, Advocacy for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business
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Overview: Supporting Immigrants in our Labour Market
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Sector Analysis: Transportation in BC
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Labour Market Amazing Race Results / Winners
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Closing Address: Utilizing Labour Market Information During Times of Transition
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Final Thoughts / Next Steps
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Day 2 Wrap-Up
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:
RESEARCH:
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, CONCERNS
We'd love to here more from you. Feel free to email me directly:
Christian Saint Cyr