VANCOUVER, B.C. — MEGAN GORDON, manager of the Pembina Institute’s Equitable Transition program, made the following statement in response to the release of the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council - Annual Report.
“Canada’s energy workforce is changing, and the report shows how governments can keep workers at the centre of that shift. Canadians should not have to choose between a stable job and a safe climate, and the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council makes that clear. The Council, created under the Sustainable Jobs Act and made up of labour, industry, environmental and Indigenous leaders, provides independent advice to the federal government on how to support workers through the energy transition. It shares a strong message — that Canada needs a practical, worker-focused action plan that builds climate-competitive industries and supports good jobs in every region.
“In preparing this report, the Council heard directly from workers from Kitimat in British Columbia to workers in Ingersoll, Ontario, who told them that secure work is their top priority. The Council’s recommendations, alongside the Pembina Institute’s submission to the 2026-2030 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan, show how Canada can support workers today while preparing for tomorrow’s industries.
“Globally, the electricity sector now employs more people than fossil fuels, with 3.9 million new jobs added over the past five years. This rapid growth shows how quickly workforces are shifting toward low-carbon industries, a trend Canada can tap into with the right policies and training programs.
“To ensure Canadian workers can seize the opportunities presented by the growth in low-carbon industries, the Council calls for a more comprehensive industrial strategy that drives net-zero job growth. The strategy should also support sectors facing economic pressure from tariffs, including forestry, steel, automotive and electric vehicle industries. It emphasizes stronger skills training to meet current and future labour needs, including for the scale-up of nation-building plans, better supports for workers facing transitions, and a people-centred approach that advances Indigenous participation and leadership.
“In our own submission, Pembina recommended five actions that complement the Council’s advice:
- grow low-carbon industries that generate stable careers
- modernize training so workers can upskill as industries evolve
- remove barriers for Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, newcomers and other equity-deserving groups
- strengthen supports for workers and communities facing layoffs or industry decline
- create permanent systems that align industrial policy, labour needs and climate goals
“Canada is facing labour shortages and other labour market challenges just as clean industries are accelerating. We need action now. Integrating these priorities into the 2026-2030 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan will support workers where it matters most, in their workplaces and communities, and help build a resilient and competitive economy for decades to come.”
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Contact
Lejla Latifovic
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
819-639-4285
Background
Submission: 2026-2030 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan Consultation
Op-ed: Workers are the foundation of Canada’s nation-building agenda
Media release: Canada must align skills with emerging opportunities
