CANADIAN CEO'S SET SIGHTS ON PEOPLE THIS YEAR

Toronto, Ontario -- According to the results of the Angus Reid/Report on Business Magazine sixth annual survey of 300 of Canada's top CEOs, people, profitability, and productivity are the top business imperatives for 2000. Topping the list of major priorities for the nation's CEOs, along with the usual goals of increasing profitability (74%) and productivity (61%), are retaining (79%) and attracting (61%) high-calibre employees. As the Canadian economy booms, six-in-ten (63%) CEOs expect to expand their workforce over the next two years and a quarter (27%) say their workforce will remain at its current size, whereas just 10 percent think there will be downsizing in their company. However, in a 6-point increase since 1999, 61 percent of CEOs agree that it is difficult to find people who have the necessary skills for their company. Furthermore, four-in-ten (40%) agree that the "Brain Drain" is a "real problem" for their corporation.

Six in Ten CEOs Say They are Finding it Harder to Find Right-Skilled People

Up 6 points since the 1999 study, six-in-ten (61%) CEOs in Canada agree that "it is difficult to find people who have the skills we need for our company". Whereas 15 percent strongly agreed in last year's study, just under a quarter (24%) did so in the current wave. Presently, almost four-in-ten (38%) disagree, and just 8 percent strongly disagree.

And, the "Brain Drain" is a Real Problem for 40% of Corporations

Four-in-ten Canadian CEOs agree that the "Brain Drain is a real problem for my company", compared to 59 percent who disagree. Notably, similar proportions express these opinions with a higher degree of intensity, as 16 percent strongly agree and 20 percent strongly disagree.

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John Wright
Senior Vice President
Angus Reid Group
(416) 324-2900