1/ Prediction: we are about to run into another policy super-cycle of arguing about how to produce in-demand skills. Evidence? Bank of Canada's quarterly surveys are now showing employer hiring difficulties at levels equal to 2006-2008.
2/ BoC's quarterly survey of firms produces two measures of LM tightness. Measure 1 is a Q asking if they have labour shortages which impeded them from meeting demand. measure 2 asks if labour shortages are more or less intense than 12 months ago (# is net saying "more intense") 
3/ As that chart shows, we aren't in a period of unprecedented tightness or anything, but things are tighter than they have been for awhile. Usually a good reason to start getting concerned. Problem is, if you start digging into *where* the problems are happening, answers murky.
4/ If you look at where job vacancies are growing fastest *by occupation*, you think: oh hey, the commodity boom is back. Trades, manufacturing, woohoo, back to the land of plenty for all the skilled trades/apprentice types.
5/ But if you look at the growth in job vacancies *by industry* you get a completely different picture. Now all of a sudden Health and STEM are in the picture too.
6/ And if you look at it by geographical area, you say to yourself: Quebec? WTF?
7/ Anyway, all this is to say: we have some new skills shortage policy debates ahead. Let's all try to make this one less stupid than the welders vs. sociologist baristas one from 2012-2013 ok?
