Network for Inclusive Circular Employment (NICE)

Moving toward an economy that is not only greener, but also more inclusive and equitable.

Toward an inclusive circular economy for everyone living in Canada.

The Network for Inclusive Circular Employment (NICE) connects employers in the circular economy with organizations that support people experiencing barriers to employment.

The NICE project aims to:

Raise awareness of the circular economy and inclusive employment and how they can work together.

Make connections between circular employers and employment service providers to support inclusive circular employment.

Identify regional and province-wide priority actions to support inclusive employment in the emerging circular economy.

BC Engagement Project

We engaged over 450 circular employers and employment service providers in all 8 regions of the province to understand how workforce needs might be fulfilled through inclusive employment in BC’s circular economy.

193

attendees

64

key contributors

10

16

roundtables

local co-hosts

Key Takeaways

More locally-specific information about available circular jobs for Employment Service Providers, and future-focused labour market research for all stakeholders.
This support should spread awareness on the services available to employers, build familiarity with inclusive employment practices, and consider varying time and resource constraints.
Stakeholders expressed interest in further networking opportunities to connect circular employers with employment service providers and to facilitate knowledge sharing among businesses.
A range of circular economy opportunities exist, with particular resonance for forestry, mining, fisheries, agriculture, and local waste management. However, there is a lack of local capacity and resources to identify and implement these opportunities.
Cost of living, lack of affordable housing and childcare, and public transport all impact the ability of employers to find and retain workers. Effective inclusive hiring practices will require region-specific approaches to address systemic barriers.

Project Team

Rosemary Cooper

Executive Director

Tamara Shulman

Senior Program Manager

Michelle Kaczmarek

Program Manager

Cassidy v. Ross

Contractor

Marcelle Moreira dos Santos

Program Coordinator

Funders

The engagement phase of the NICE project was funded by the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills’ Sector Labour Market Partnerships program. The project is also supported by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation and Vancity’s enviroFund.