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Public labour policies directly impact the competitive position of tourism vis a vis the world marketplace. Small to medium sized tourism enterprises have little choice but to pass increased costs on to the tourist. For most, survival means harmonizing operating costs with those of neighbouring jurisdictions. COTA believes that the labour component of any tourism business must be in balance with all competitive jurisdictions. Public policy must accommodate the specific needs of employers and employees, accounting for tourism's unique work situations. COTA believes that the workforce should operate in safe workplaces, within an environment where employees and employers share responsibility for workplace safety.
T ourism, like many other service industries, is labour intensive, and is B.C.'s best hope for getting British Columbians working into the future. The supply of skilled and trained people is shrinking due to an aging population, changes in immigration policies and sources, and cutbacks in education and training funding. COTA believes that it is essential to attract and maintain a supply of skilled tourism workers in all regions of the province. There is a need for increased awareness of the importance of tourism training. Continued involvement of the industry in the ongoing development of tourism professionals.
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