VANCOUVER — The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from the Throne, the government committed to building an industrial strategy that tackles climate change while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the skilled trades. This marks a unique opportunity to shape the country’s workforce development in ways that support both economic prosperity and meaningful progress towards our climate goals.
A new report from the Pembina Institute, Recruit, Train, Retain, outlines practical steps the federal government can take to prepare Canadians for careers in a clean energy economy. It calls for stronger training systems, improved coordination between industry and education, and a sharper focus on aligning skills development with labour market needs.
With significant changes already underway in both the labour market and policy landscape, this is a critical moment to guide the future of Canada’s workforce development efforts.
The report reviews workforce development efforts in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario to identify best practices that connect workers with emerging job opportunities in low-carbon industries. It highlights where progress has been made and where gaps remain, particularly when it comes to aligning training with labour market needs. Drawing from lessons from Canada’s healthcare and technology sectors, the report shows that targeted, region- and sector-specific strategies are key to scaling up the workforce.
With the right policies in place, Canada can build a workforce that is not only ready for the low-carbon transition but positioned to benefit from it. Recruit, Train, Retain offers timely insights to help the federal government support both workers and employers in a rapidly changing energy and employment landscape.
Quotes
“Many existing workforce programs provide value, but they are not yet fully aligned with the needs of Canada’s low-carbon economy. By looking at what is working in different provinces — and learning from sectors that have faced similar challenges — we show how targeted, region-and sector-specific approaches can better connect workers to stable, high-quality jobs.”
“This is an opportunity to raise the bar — not just to create more jobs, but to make sure they are better jobs. That means fair wages, safe working conditions and real opportunities for advancement. As noted in the Speech from the Throne, a truly strong economy must serve everyone. That’s how we ensure the shift to a low-carbon economy delivers lasting benefits for Canadian workers.”
— Megan Gordon, Manager, Equitable Transition, Pembina Institute
Quick facts
- Low carbon jobs include roles that support renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, transmission, and other activities that reduce carbon pollution, across sectors like construction, manufacturing and services.
- Canada’s low-carbon economy employed 430,000 workers in 2021 and could add hundreds of thousands more jobs by 2050 if climate targets are met, according to 2023 modelling by the Pembina Institute.
- RBC estimates that up to 3.1 million Canadian jobs will require new skills in the shift to a low-carbon future.
- Canada’s electricity workforce needs to grow by 25% in the next five years to meet rising demand, according to Electricity Human Resources Canada.
- Strategic investments in training and local job creation could add billions to Canada’s GDP, while lowering unemployment in regions affected by the energy transition.
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Visit the Pembina Institute’s website to download a copy of Recruit, Train, Retain: Fostering low-carbon industries through regional workforce planning
Contact
Lejla Latifovic
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
lejlal@pembina.org
819-639-4185
Background
Report: Sustainable Jobs Summary Report
Report: Sustainable Jobs Blueprint, Part I
Report: Sustainable Jobs Blueprint, Part II
Blog: Canada’s new federal leader must stand up for future-ready jobs and workers
Media release: Employment growth in clean energy far outpaces fossil fuels sector, IEA report shows
