Program Priorities

The SLMP program prioritizes applications that address the following:

Labour market imbalances

The labour market is shifting as mature workers retire and technology rapidly advances.

With fewer people entering the labour force and more jobs requiring skilled workers, employers must compete for limited labour and talent. Employers must look for ways to grow their businesses within these realities.

While there is an expected increase in workers due to international immigration, interprovincial migration, a lower unemployment rate, and young people (29 and younger) entering the labour market, many job vacancies are forecasted.

SLMP-funded projects addressing this labour market priority should explore innovative solutions to current – and future – imbalances between supply and demand.

Skills gaps

The nature of work in the province is rapidly changing, and new technologies, along with demographic and socio-economic shifts, are shaping the demand for future skills. Relevant education and skills training are essential to ensure that B.C.’s workforce has the right skills to succeed in the labour market.

Applications focused on this priority will support sectors in identifying and addressing skills gaps. They will also concentrate on developing solutions to ensure that workers have the skills needed to keep up in an ever-changing workplace.

Economic transformation

There are major economic transformations underway in the province. New technologies, demographic shifts, and climate change will have both disruptive and transformative effects on the economy and how work is done in B.C., across Canada, and around the world.

The impacts of climate change and the transition to a carbon-neutral economy¹ require workers and employers to adapt to the demands of a diverse and rapidly evolving economy². These shifts affect B.C.’s economy in different ways, requiring the development of forward-looking solutions that anticipate these changes.

Applications that address this labour market priority must be evidence-based and should identify emerging technologies, sectors and changing skills requirements.

Reconciliation and Indigenous workforce priorities

The Government of B.C. is committed to continue its work towards true, lasting, and meaningful reconciliation by supporting opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to be full partners and participants in B.C.’s labour market.

Labour market information related to Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in the workforce is currently limited.

The SLMP program welcomes applications from Indigenous organizations to better support Indigenous workforce priorities and economic development.

The SLMP program also welcomes applications from non-Indigenous organizations looking to increase their understanding of reconciliation and in working more effectively with Indigenous Peoples.

All SLMP-funded projects focused on this priority must have Indigenous partners’ participation.

SLMP applications

Overall, successful SLMP program applications will:

be supported by diverse perspectives representative of the entire sector; be relevant to the project purpose; and support equity, diversity, and inclusion;
be holistic – projects should explore all aspects of a challenge and be forward-looking;
have a clear link between the purpose of the project and the proposed activities, as well as a realistic budget and timeline;
demonstrate good use of public funds; and
have the potential to continue to produce benefits after the project has been completed.

Note: The program is open to exploring any workforce issues. Please contact the team at: LabourMarketPartnerships@gov.bc.ca to find out if your project is eligible. Response time for email inquiries is typically within five business days.

¹Stronger BC for everyone – B.C.’s Economic Plan: A plan for today, a vision for tomorrow
²B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook