Ontario’s commitment to creating jobs continues with the recent introduction of two new programs that will boost employment along with building a stronger, more diverse economy. It’s a win-win situation for employers and job seekers.
The Rural Economic Development Program
The province is providing $228,550 through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to boost Ontario’s northern economy.
- RED supports the Worth the Commute, Worth the Investment business fair. The event highlights economic development and helps attract new residents and investors.
- The program also bolsters the East Ferris business development project in Corbeil. This will lay the foundation for an entrepreneurial community in the area.
- In addition, RED will assist with a heritage assets project in M’Chigeeng, which will help the Ojibwe Cultural Fund build its brand.
- In Cochrane, RED will be a factor in developing a marketing strategy focusing on attracting skilled workers. RED will support a similar effort in Moose Factory.
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
Through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, jobs will be created and the economy will be diversified through the encouragement of regional businesses that are innovative in pursuing new markets.
- Klassic Coconut: Ontario is investing $529,300 to help renovate Klassic’s newly-acquired building in Simcoe while creating 10 new and retaining 12 existing jobs. Klassic Coconut is one of the largest dried coconut manufacturers and importers in North America. Provincial support will help add production equipment and develop new products for market at home and abroad.
- Transcontinental RBW Graphics: Thanks to a fund grant of $267,372, RBW will install a new printing line and expand production while creating 24 and retaining 446 jobs in Owen Sound. The company is a subsidiary of TC Transcontinental, the largest printer and a leading provider of media and marketing activation solutions in Canada.
Helping businesses stay competitive and grow in Ontario is part of the province’s ongoing economic plan. What’s your plan to attract, hire and retain A-level talent?
Build Your Talent Pipeline
The most robust talent management plans are those where companies successfully build their bench strength – recruiting proactively and continuously, rather than waiting for vacancies to occur. At the same time, build an industry-leading employment brand that naturally attracts both passive and active candidates.
- Perfect and maintain your job descriptions. Make them as user-friendly and transparent as possible. Provide details not only on the responsibilities and expectations of positions, but also on your company culture and work environment. Enable job seekers to eliminate themselves early if they don’t sense the right fit.
- Monitor social media. Integrate your website with social media; start with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Then take it a step further and consider Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and other venues. Build a company social media brand that allows potential applicants to glimpse what employment would be like at your company including company culture and ethics.
- Use your professional network. Tap into the passive candidate pool – those who aren’t actively seeking work but can be courted. Through your current employees and professional and personal contacts, build and nurture relationships year round.
While these tools are great starting points, every organization will have a unique recruiting strategy. Contact Employment Professionals Canada for more information and resources for building your winning talent management strategy. We specialize in helping Ontario business recruit top talent necessary to help their businesses succeed. We look forward to hearing from you!