Rural regions throughout Canada are grappling with how to plan for changing demographic dynamics, particularly as it relates to labour force development. Dr. Gibson participated in two sessions focused on workforce development and rural demography in rural regions at the recent 2017 Columbia Basin Symposium. The first panel presentation focused on changing rural demographic in both Canada and the Columbia Basin-Boundary region of British Columbia. A copy of demographic presentation can be found here.
The second panel presentation focused on shifting demographics and workforce development. Dr. Gibson shared the stage with Jason Taylor (Selkirk College), Robyn Simpson (FortisBC), Scott Cobbe (School District 8), and Lori Joe (Kimberley Youth Action Network). Each panelist provided conference participants illustrations of innovative strategies for engaging youth in the workforce.
The Symposium is held every 3-4 years and hosted by the Columbia Basin Trust. The 2017 Symposium was held in Kimberley, British Columbia from October 13-15, 2017. More information on the Symposium can be found at https://symposium.ourtrust.org.
