A federal advisory panel of labour leaders is urging Canadian employers and the government to implement comprehensive strategies that align workforce skills with evolving industry demands. The Union-Led Advisory Table’s final report, “Unions Power Prosperity,” emphasizes the need for proactive measures to support workers amid economic transitions.
Chaired by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, the 15-member panel convened from December 2023 to October 2024. Their mandate focused on addressing challenges such as automation, an aging workforce, and the shift toward a low-carbon economy.
The report outlines several key recommendations:
Aligning Skills with Industry Needs: Developing training programs that reflect current and future labour market requirements.
Supporting Job Transitions: Assisting workers, particularly those in declining sectors, to move into emerging industries through portable skills recognition and targeted training.
Promoting Continuous Learning: Ensuring access to lifelong learning opportunities to help workers adapt to changing job landscapes.
Enhancing Diversity in Skilled Trades: Increasing participation of women and under-represented groups in high-demand occupations.
“Meeting Canada’s economic and climate challenges starts with investing in and listening to workers,” said Bruske. “Unions have the tools, the know-how, and the creativity to drive an innovative, prosperous, and equitable economy.”
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Steven MacKinnon, acknowledged the importance of the panel’s insights. “Giving workers a seat at the table is the best way to help us understand how to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow,” he said. “We need their advice to confront the challenges of our changing labour market.”
The report also highlights the necessity for collaboration among unions, employers, and government entities to effectively implement these recommendations. Such partnerships are deemed crucial for building a resilient workforce capable of navigating economic shifts.
As Canada transitions toward a low-carbon economy, the demand for green jobs in the energy sector is expected to rise. The advisory table’s recommendations aim to prepare workers for these opportunities, ensuring they possess the requisite skills and support to thrive in new roles.
The full report, “Unions Power Prosperity,” is available through Employment and Social Development Canada.
