ECO Canada consults environmental employers on the impact of the recession
Calgary June 16, 2009 – Last week ECO Canada polled responses asking environmental stakeholders how the economic downturn is affecting recruitment and retention patterns.
Responses revealed that, despite the poor economic conditions several companies are experiencing little change in recruitment and employee-initiated turnover. The poll also revealed that some environmental organizations are actually hiring but only where absolutely necessary.
The following responses give insight into where environmental organizations stand in today’s economy.
"As we are a global company, we are able to weather the downturn here in Canada by focusing on other areas. We are also using the time to offer development to all staff members." Cathy Rayburn- Human Resource Generalist, CG Industrial Specialties Ltd
“More qualified candidates are available; this time last year there wasn't any skilled labour to be found...” Cathy Glasser – Health and Safety Training Coordinator, Westeel Storage Solutions
"As much as market conditions have slowed some development work, current staffing levels are considered barely adequate to keep up, certainly in relation to essential energy infrastructure projects." Christine Cinnamon - Environmental Manager, CCEP, TransCanada Ltd.
“Questor is somewhat insulated from the economic downturn because climate change concerns continue to be a key issue. Stronger environmental regulation has served to maintain, and even increase, demand for our technology and products. On that basis we are adding resources where a perceived permanent need exists and expect to benefit from the larger candidate pool available. For a small but growing company, the government incentives to assist with new hires are also helpful.” Diane Koenig - Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, Questor Technology Inc.
About ECO Canada’s Flash Poll Program:
The ECO Canada Flash Poll is a program aimed at collecting and relaying critical, timely research on human resources issues that matter to the Canadian environmental sector. The poll is delivered to employers and key industry professionals operating in a human resource capacity and the results which are generated within 5 days of the poll opening serve to inform media, government and industry leaders to assist in strategic planning and policy development.
