The economic state of the Province, the nation and the world has had a major impact on employment over the last 18 months or so. So, as we appear to be moving forward again, I started to think about whether or not the Virtual Economy, which I recently discovered, could ever impact employment.

If, like I was, you're not familiar with the Virtual Economy, let me give you my take. This is where people pay money to buy, sell and rent on-line virtual (non-existent in the real world) property.

Why you might ask would someone want to pay good money for something that is totally intangible? Well apparently it's a multi-billion dollar endeavour. One Australian paid $26,500 for a virtual island which he now runs as a game preserve and taxes hunters on his land. The taxes are making him $100,000 in real money. Now there's a job I could handle! Another gamer paid $100,000 for an asteroid space resort. The resort is now worth $1 million. The Virtual Economy even contributed approx $2.8 million to Haiti relief.

With billions of dollars being made, obviously there are many entrepreneurial opportunities to create employment. I just wonder how Statistics Canada would classify "Virtual Gamer" or "Virtual Landlord" in its occupation classifications? Somebody in Ottawa better start thinking about that for the next census. Now that would be an interesting statistic.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me at carol@workforceplanningboard.com