VANCOUVER — MEGAN GORDON, manager of the Equitable Transition program at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the federal government's announcement to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries:
“The federal government’s new measures to support Canadian workers and businesses in response to economic pressures from U.S. tariffs and global trade disruptions will help workers gain new skills, provide more flexible Employment Insurance, and connect Canadians more quickly with job opportunities.
“We have consistently advocated for workforce supports like these. Today’s announcement is an important step toward helping Canadians adapt to economic shocks while positioning the country for long-term growth in emerging industries, including the low-carbon economy. The new Workforce Alliances and Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund is particularly promising, as it will bring together employers, unions and industry groups to tackle urgent labour market challenges and prepare workers for growing opportunities across the clean economy, including critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
“Canada must prepare for a future where employment growth in clean energy and emerging industries outpaces many traditional sectors. Meanwhile, shocks like the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods underscores the need for proactive planning to protect workers and maintain economic resilience. That is why the upcoming Sustainable Jobs Action Plan will be so important to ensuring Canada has the workforce strategies in place to weather global disruptions and seize new opportunities.
“We look forward to seeing how these efforts are further developed in the Sustainable Jobs Action Plan, and we are ready to provide input into consultations to help ensure strong outcomes for Canada’s workforce.”
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Contact
Lejla Latifovic
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
819-639-4185
Background
Media release: How Canada can equip workers for a low-carbon future
Article: We need workers to “build, baby, build”
Report: Report: Sustainable Jobs Summary Report
