With the province preparing to open to the rest of the country on July 1st, some tourism operators and businesses are struggling to find staff.
While it appears the worst of the pandemic is behind us, some people are choosing to stay on the CRB (Canada Recovery Benefit) which is causing issues for businesses that rely on a larger staff.
Jerry Byrne who owns The Doctor’s House Inn and Spa in Green’s Harbour, says 2020 was set to be a record year when it all came crashing down during the pandemic. He says he had serious concerns about being able to stay open after all the cancellations and event deposits they had to give back.
(The Doctor’s House Inn and Spa)
Even though it’s a relief the province re-opening, Byrne says he is having a hard time finding staff. He says he’s on some tourism boards and they are all in the same boat, noting that it’s amazing how hard it is to get people to come work now and that’s a new paradigm they have to deal with.
He states that he will do whatever it takes to get the right staff to help deliver a quality product, which is why Byrne says he’s had to canvass the country looking for people and is also forced to look at some of the import programs to bring workers in from out of the country.
Along with not being able to find qualified staff, he says the cost of doing business has gone up significantly. Despite the challenges Byrne is facing he says there is now a light at the end of the tunnel: “we have a wonderful thing going and the province is amazing, we’ve all been on our knees, it’s time to get up and embrace each other.”
