The skilled labour shortage is one of the most critical challenges threatening the economic viability of business today. The Halton Apprenticeship Advisory Council (HAAC) was created in December 1998 in response to the skilled labour shortage in Halton Region. Under HIEC, HAAC is a community effort of business, education, government and labour, meeting to identify, communicate and resolve problems inherent in skilled labour shortage. The Council’s structure is informal to encourage networking and open communication.