Will immigration help address labour challenges?  This year’s Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference convened a blue ribbon panel to discuss ongoing efforts addressing long-term labour market issues and how to ensure a sustainable workforce for the sector. 

The shortage 

Even though Canada’s labour force is expanding, the supply of workers to the auto care sector remains elusive. Susan Mowbray, consulting partner in MNP noted in a panel discussion that began by addressing immigration as a solution to the current and future labour shortages in the auto car industry. Demographics mean that right now a generation is retiring while the young workforce age group is not adequately replacing them. 

Panelist Tony Kuczinski, President and CEO of Mister Transmission stated bluntly that “there is no silver bullet.” Part of the solution begins with organizing the work and workforce to improve productivity and part of it can be addressed through immigration.   

Immigration 

Bringing in overseas workers comes with its own considerations according to Karim Mouldi, President of Canari, an international immigration and recruitment company that specializes in locating and assessing qualified workers from around the world for employment with Canadian companies. For one, the process and permit application process is onerous and once approved, the candidate must receive a surcharge on the average salary in the sector. Other factors to consider are the technology background in the countries from which candidates come and helping them to integrate in Canda. 

Paul Prochilo, CEO of Simplicity Car Care points out that for both foreign born and domestic candidates, energetic leadership is vital for motivation and retention. Kuzinski puts it simply, “Old school management doesn’t work if you don’t have leadership in the organization.  Its people, people, people.” 

Many approaches 

Immigration is just one tool, the panel agreed. Developing the people already within the organization, working with schools and guidance teachers to create increased interest in the sector and converting those who initially enter to long term employees are challenges. Mouldi recognizes that while those steps are imperative, today “We have no choice. We need to bring in foreign workers.” 

Photo caption: James Channer, CEO of InMotion Brands (left), moderated the important panel discussion