Addressing the Workforce Development Challenge – A Regional Response
214,000 jobs to be filled by 2030.
That’s the challenge facing the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) in a primarily rural region of more than 1.5 million people in southern Ontario. The Western Ontario Workforce Strategy is a regional approach to workforce retention and attraction, leveraging existing population, providing attainable housing, and supporting employer recruitment and retention.
Kate Burns Gallagher and Aileen Murray will discuss the region’s role in supporting local workforce development and provide initial insights on the strategy implementation.
About the Speakers
Aileen Murray, Ec.D.(F)
Aileen Murray, Ec.D.(F)
Aileen is Past President of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (2019-2020). Aileen established Mellor Murray Consulting in 2009 after a distinguished career as an economic development practitioner. A trusted advisor and coach, Aileen has assisted municipalities, non-profit organizations and business, combining experience in economic development, tourism, strategic planning, governance and community engagement to provide thorough analysis, practical solutions and achievable strategies and programs.
Aileen is a Past President of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario and a Director of the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation. She is a Certified Economic Development Professional (Ec.D.) and Fellow.
Kate Burns Gallagher
Kate Burns Gallagher
Kate Burns Gallagher is the Executive Director of Economic Development for the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus. Kate is currently on secondment to the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus from Elgin County. Prior to her work in the municipal sector, Kate served as an Executive Assistant to a Member of Parliament.
Kate has her BA in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Post Graduate in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Fanshawe College.
Kate has been part of the Economic Development profession for over ten years helping to successfully develop and launch an award-winning culinary program as well as a Community Improvement Plan. Kate believes the key to success in Economic Development is building relationships; with council, staff, the business community and other economic development professionals.
Volunteerism is a passion of Kate’s, as she serves on Elgin-Middlesex United Way’s Board of Directors and is a Director with the Economic Development Council of Ontario.
