P.E.I.'s cook shortage may only get worse
Cooks working longer hours to fill in the gap
A shortage of cooks in P.E.I.'s restaurant industry is an annual problem, and one that could grow worse in coming years, says the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.
"With an aging population, that is a challenge as well that we're going to continue to face and it will continue to grow," said TIAPEI CEO Kevin Mouflier.
The shortage comes to the Island every summer, said Mouflier, as seasonal restaurants open up to serve the tourist market. For those in the industry there often is just one solution — work longer hours.
"Everybody's got to be part of the team and jump in and deal with the volume," said Mouflier.
"It tires people out."
The problem continues despite the presence of a major culinary school in Charlottetown, but Mouflier said many of those students use their work experience term as an opportunity to travel. He said they can also get higher pay in other provinces, particularly Alberta.
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With files from Angela Walker