<p>Hosted by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium.</p>


<h3>Workshop topics for discussion:</h3>
<ul>
<li>9:00 &#8211; Introductions, Networking and briefing on EMC’s Canadian Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative</li>
<li>10:00 &#8211; Connecting Demand to Supply: Results and insights from EMC’s ManufacturingGPS: A Roadmap to Growth for Alberta Manufacturers labour market study.</li>
<li>11:30 &#8211; Lunch</li>
<li>12:00 &#8211; Creating a Solutions Roadmap: Facilitated stakeholder discussion</li>
<li>1:00 &#8211; Farewell</li>
</ul>
<p>The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services. This event is funded in part by the Province of Alberta’s Department of Jobs, Economy, and Trade, aimed at strengthening Alberta’s manufacturing sector by addressing critical labour market gaps, enhancing workforce development, and building partnerships with educational programs and initiatives.</p>


<p>Manufacturers across Alberta are navigating unprecedented challenges affecting business operations and competitiveness. Please join us in Grande Prairie for an in-person event designed to share important initiatives in the sector, unveil Alberta labour market survey data, and discuss practical solutions.</p>


A Workshop for Alberta Manufacturers

Alberta

<p>Hosted by EMC&#8217;s HerJourney Network</p>


<p><strong>Key Topics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Inclusion efforts in trades and industrial settings</li>
<li>Strategies for culture change, mentorship, and retention</li>
<li>Pitfalls and pushback: what to watch out for</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Analyze success stories of gender inclusion across similar work environments</li>
<li>Apply real-world strategies for inclusive hiring, onboarding, and supervision</li>
<li>Learn how to avoid common mistakes and sustain progress</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>About our Guest Speaker: </strong>James Demers (He/him) is a licensed skilled trade carpenter who then changed careers to become a diversity educator and workplace consultant – with 15 years of experience helping organizations create inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces. He has supported teams in employee engagement, leadership development, and accessibility strategies. With a strong focus on workplace culture and diverse learning styles, James designs practical, interactive, and adaptable training that meets the needs of diverse teams. He has led initiatives on policy development, equity frameworks, and inclusive leadership, ensuring organizations foster environments where all employees can thrive. Based in Treaty 7 Territory (Mo’kinsis), James is committed to removing barriers, improving accessibility, and enhancing employee experiences through education, strategic planning, and organizational change.</p>


They Say It Can’t Be Done

<p>This session features examples from the field—employers in trades and manufacturing who have improved gender inclusion. Learn what it takes to change culture and what to avoid.</p>


Workplace Inclusion Case Studies

<p><strong>Key Topics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The skilled trades labour gap in manufacturing</li>
<li>Misconceptions about women’s roles in industrial workplaces</li>
<li>Business and economic benefits of diverse teams</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Understand structural and workplace-specific barriers that limit women’s participation in trades</li>
<li>Identify key benefits of gender diversity in skilled trades, from productivity to innovation</li>
<li>Recognize opportunities for employers to create inclusive entry points into their workforce</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>About our Guest Speaker: </strong>James Demers (He/him) is a licensed skilled trade carpenter who then changed careers to become a diversity educator and workplace consultant – with 15 years of experience helping organizations create inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces. He has supported teams in employee engagement, leadership development, and accessibility strategies. With a strong focus on workplace culture and diverse learning styles, James designs practical, interactive, and adaptable training that meets the needs of diverse teams. He has led initiatives on policy development, equity frameworks, and inclusive leadership, ensuring organizations foster environments where all employees can thrive. Based in Treaty 7 Territory (Mo’kinsis), James is committed to removing barriers, improving accessibility, and enhancing employee experiences through education, strategic planning, and organizational change.</p>


HerJourney: Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades

<p>This session sets the stage by exploring the current labour landscape and the business case for gender inclusion in manufacturing. We’ll cover workforce demographics, barriers to entry, and opportunities for inclusive growth.</p>


Why Women in Skilled Trades?

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Senior Managers, Quality, Production CI and Mfg Eng

<p>In-Person Joint meeting At Member Facility</p>


Joint Strategic Interest Group

Central Ontario

Grey Bruce Counties

Northern Ontario

<p>From legislative changes to workplace policy trends, staying compliant is more complex than ever. This session with an Kelly VanBuskirk of Buskirk Law is designed for HR professionals and operational leaders in manufacturing—covering what’s new, what’s changing, and what to watch out for. Feel welcome to bring your questions and gain practical insights to protect your people and your business.</p>


Key Updates for Manufacturing Leaders & HR

<p>Get the legal clarity you need to lead with confidence in today&#8217;s manufacturing workplace.</p>


Navigating Workplace Law

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland

<p><strong>Key Focus Areas:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Building a Strong Compensation Strategy – Stay competitive with structured pay models.</li>
<li>Pay-for-Performance Models – Reward employees based on contributions.</li>
<li>Salary Benchmarking &amp; Market Analysis – Understand industry standards for fair compensation.</li>
<li>Employee Benefits Customization – Explore traditional and non-traditional benefits tailored to workforce needs.</li>
<li>Effective Communication – Maximize the impact of benefits through clear communication.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What You&#8217;ll Gain:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Practical strategies to create attractive compensation packages.</li>
<li>Insights on aligning rewards with performance.</li>
<li>Tools to benchmark salaries effectively.</li>
<li>Best practices for enhancing employee engagement through benefits.</li>
</ul>
<p>Participants will leave with actionable tools to refine their organization&#8217;s approach to compensation and benefits, ensuring they remain competitive in today’s evolving job market.</p>
<p>This event is supported in part by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.</p>


A fully funded MRSP activity

<p>Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help leaders develop competitive compensation and benefits strategies that attract and retain top talent.</p>


Compensation & Benefits Strategies Workshop

Annual Labour Law Update

<p>Labour Law Update Presentation and Open Discussion</p>


Annual Labour Law Update

HR Strategic Interest Group

Upcoming Events