CENTRE FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

From: Karma Monroe Chukdong B.Ed, M.A.,M.Ed

To: Centre for Workforce Development
Re: Proposal for Business Development
Date: 4/26/2019

SCOPE

PROJECT OBJECTIVE: There are two objectives for this Ontario Labour Market Partnership project: 1.
Determine the underlying cause(s) of the labour force participation rate decrease and the labour force
population rate increase problem in Eastern Ontario.

2. Identify potential solution(s) to identified cause(s) of the labour force participation rate decrease and
the labour force population rate increase problem in Eastern Ontario.

VISION

Project Consultant The project consultant will be responsible for all aspects of developing relevant
research, focus group structure, forum structure and completing a final report that outlines the
strategies developed to address the underlying issues identified through focus groups and forums. This
work will include, but not be limited to, the following:  Literature e-scans/reviews of relevant reports
 Developing relevant questions for focus groups  Participate in preliminary focus groups  Data
analysis and interpretation from the focus groups  Developing relevant questions for forum  Co-
facilitate four forums across Eastern Ontario  Data analysis and interpretation from the forums 
Provide conclusions and recommendations for strategic actions based on analysis  Producing draft and
final reports

TARGET MARKET

Focus Groups Project Consultant will lead the development of focus groups structure which could
encompass a variety of area groups as outlined below. They will also participate in a preliminary number
of the focus groups (number to be determined) to ensure they are gathering the required information in
the manner they want to work with. i) Scope (1) Focus groups are the only method that can be used to
help identify the underlying cause of participation rate drops and develop potential solutions. Statistics
Canada data can identify the number of people not participating but it cannot answer why. Thus, focus
groups across at least four key areas will be conducted to identify patterns, trends and solutions. These
areas would include non-participants (who these are needs to be determined), e.g. Social Service
agencies, Employment Ontario Service providers, businesses and/or business associations (e.g.
Chambers, Labour Councils, Labour Unions, Construction Associations, and Manufacturer
Associations). A consistent approach will be developed so that focus groups are delivered in the same
manner across Eastern Ontario. ii) Frequency (1) Based on the areas identified and the expanse, at least
4 focus groups per area would be required although some areas may require more than the 4 to ensure
that all group areas are adequately covered. Accounting for the various area sizes, an overall maximum
of 75 focus groups across all communities are recommended in order to ensure proper coverage. iii)
Size (1) Ideally, each focus group would have 8-15 participants depending on location where they are
held. iv) Measurement (1) Measurement of the data gathered during the focus groups will be important.
The consultant will establish data measurement points from both a qualitative and quantitative
perspective and identify how this will be reported out at the forums. (2) Quantitative data should follow,
but not be limited to, the types of labour force data that Statistics Canada uses. This type of data will
allow for comparative analysis across the broader Eastern Ontario. Request for Proposal “Examining
Labour Force Participation in Eastern Region” Project Consultant - April 2019 This project is funded in
part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario 6 (3) Qualitative data will be kept
to developing themes around which the forum can be designed. This will include perceived barriers to
employment, lifestyle factors, perceived stigmas, misconceptions, training needs and other factors that
may not be otherwise easily identifiable. (4) Measurement of data may also be able to identify geographic
barriers and differences. (5) Participants in all focus groups will also be surveyed to provide feedback on
the focus group process

OBJECTIVES

Project Consultant will lead the development of forum structure based on the evidence gathered in the
focus groups. They will also participate in co-facilitating the forums. c) Forums i) Purpose (1) The
purpose of hosting forums is two-fold – share the findings from the focus groups and develop strategies
to address the findings ii) Scope (1) In order to present the results, obtain feedback and develop
strategies in an encompassing manner, four regional forums would be held across Eastern Ontario (2)
Recommended forum locations include Belleville, Cornwall, Ottawa and Pembroke iii) Attendance (1)
Attendance for the forums must be extended to all participants from the focus groups (2) Invitations
should be extended to local politicians, Provincial MPP’s, Federal MP’s and the Ministry of Training
Colleges and Universities (3) Invitations should be extended as well to post-secondary institutes as well
as adult learning facilities iv) Measurement (1) Quality of strategies developed as a result of the forums
(2) Participants will be surveyed to provide feedback on the forum process d) Final Report (i)
Development of a labour force participation rate strategy including best practices that can be shared
across the Province (ii) Identification of phase two steps to implement and test the labour force
participation rate strategy.

COSTS

Total Budget for research project including HST not to exceed $42,500 broken out as follows:
Consultant Fees $37,500 Consultant Travel $ 2,500 Data (if required) $ 2,500.
 THEME: EASTERN ONTARIO HAS THE LOWEST ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
RATES IN ONTARIO

RISK ASSESSMENT: Eastern Ontario

S: Strengths- Eastern Ontario is one of the main destinations to retire and live (Cottage Country)

W: Weaknesses- Very low employment participation rates

O: Opportunity- Eastern Ontario is the main vacation summer destination.

T: Threats- Summer economy solely our economy is only booming during the summer months

1. Social Assistance
2. Highest Industry Participation
3. Newcomer Employment
4. International Students
5. ODSP
6. Access to Post-Secondary
7. Employment Insurance: E.I.
8. Marginalized Groups Entering Workforce
9. Company Closures: Northern Telecom, Mead Johnson’s, Sears, Zellers, Bakelite, Bata Shoes,
General Motors (Many do not re-enter workforce).

Improving Workforce Participation Rates

3. Newcomers Participation
1. Social
Assistance

4. International
Students
Participation
6. Access to Post-Secondary
2. HIghest 8. Marginalized 9. Company
7. Employment
Industry Groups Entering Closures
5.ODSP Insurance (E.I)
Participation Work Force
 1. Social Assistance

2. Highest Industry of
Employement: Small
Business, Toursim,
9. Company Closures
Factory Work, Casino,
Medicinal Marijuana
Kiosks

8. Marginalized Groups

Economic
entering work force 3. Newcomers: Quinte
Women,Marginalized, Immigrant Services
First Nation Peoples
Participation
Rates:
Eastern
Ontario

7 . Employment
Insurance Rates 4. International Students

6. Access to Post-
5. Ontario Disabilty
Secondary Programs :
Support Program
Apprenticeships
Notes:

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Marginalized
Highest Access to Full
Social Newcomers International Groups Company
Industry ODSP Post- E.I. Workforce
Assistance Employment students entering Closures
Participation Secondary Participation
Workforce

Three References:

1. Mary Doyle: Founder Rural on Purpose: Tel: 613- 483-6109mary@Ruralonpurpose.com or

maryjkdoyle@gmail.com

2. Arnold Blackstar: MAESD Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development: Former
Director Government of Ontario: Email: ablackstar@sasktel.net Tel. 1-306-713-2258

3. Ann Drennan: VPA Loyalist College- adrennan@loyalistcollege.com Tel. 613-969-1913Ext.

2604

Karma Chukdong B.Ed., M.A., M.Ed

Consultant
613-968-9234