September 6, 2013 – To ensure British Columbians are “first in line for the skilled jobs of the future”, Minister Shirley Bond announced Jessica McDonald has been appointed as independent review lead for the review of the province’s Industry Training Authority (ITA). In this role, McDonald is to examine ITA’s role and function to ensure it is meeting its mandate and reaching key targets and outcomes.

McDonald currently serves as an independent consultant specializing in management and organizational performance, and commercial mediation and negotiation. Previously, she served as a deputy minister in the provincial government for six years, and served in a number of other posts in government under numerous administrations beginning in 1991.

Starting next week, McDonald will meet with ITA board and senior staff, as well as a range of government, post-secondary, industry and labour stakeholders. She will seek advice and input on ITA and the province’s trades-training system generally, while examining best practices in other jurisdictions.

In conducting the review, Bond has directed the independent review lead to:

• Encourage frank and open discussion among all trades-training and industry stakeholders.
• To the greatest extent possible, ensure partners, industry stakeholders, employers and apprentices consulted as part of the review represent all regions of the province.
• Make recommendations that will strengthen the current system without creating undue disruption to the ongoing recruitment, training and credentialing of the skilled workers B.C. needs.

The ITA review begins immediately, and the final report will be released publicly. Individuals who would like to provide input can do so directly by emailing :

ITA.Review@gov.bc.ca

Written submissions must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. October 18, 2013, to be considered.