National Adult Literacy Database

Canada faces shortages of skilled workers in many sectors. This discussion paper examines the potential for easing those shortages by improving the rates of retention and re‐engagement of older workers.

The authors offer a number of recommendations for retaining and recruiting older workers, including offering flexible arrangements; accommodating mobility restrictions and ensuring adequate lighting; providing opportunities for workers to learn about new technologies; and fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes interaction among all workers, regardless of age.

They note that some sector councils have already implemented programs and services of particular relevance to older workers. For example, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council has placed resources on attracting, training and retaining older workers on its “Discover Tourism” web site.

Sector councils are industry‐led partnerships that bring together representatives from business, labour, education, and other professional groups to address sector‐wide human resource issues on a national scale. The Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC) is the councils’ national coordinating body.