At the recent G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting held last week in Brazil, Randy Boissonnault — the federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages — emphasized Canada’s commitment to prioritizing workers amid global technological and environmental changes.
Boissonnault addressed the need for ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, highlighting its potential to impact the workforce.
“We must ensure the workforce is ready to thrive in the economy of tomorrow,” Boissonnault stated. He called for the establishment of conditions that protect workers’ rights as AI technology evolves.
During his meetings with ministers from the United States, Singapore, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, Boissonnault underscored the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace. He emphasized the necessity of expanding access to quality education and investing in continuous skill development to prepare the workforce for future challenges.
Boissonnault reiterated Canada’s leadership in promoting gender equality and inclusion within the labour force, aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the Brisbane Target, which aims to reduce gender gaps in labour market participation by 25% by 2025.
“International forums like the G20 provide opportunities to share and learn from other countries,” Boissonnault said. “Our Government is committed to ensuring Canadian workers lead the way in the global economy of the future.”
The meeting in Fortaleza marked another step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to build a sustainable and equitable future for workers worldwide.
Quick facts:
- Budget 2024 proposed $105 million to support an employment strategy for persons with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund.
- Following the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force recommendations, Budget 2024 announced plans to modernize the Employment Equity Act.
- In 2022, the OECD ranked Canada as the top donor for supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through its Feminist International Assistance Policy.
- Canada boasts the second-highest post-secondary attainment rate in the OECD, reflecting the priority placed on high-quality education and lifelong learning.
