Canada is growing at a rapid rate thanks to the world’s highest per capita immigration rates—and that is just one of several vectors of change impacting tech and talent across the country.
The intense spread of A.I. technologies is another force to be reckoned with. For example, executives estimate nearly half of their workforce will need to reskill as a result of implementing AI and automation over the next three years, an IBM survey found.
The ongoing tug-of-war between office and remote work cultures is another factor still.
Recognizing these great changes sweeping Canada, government bodies have been pursuing ways to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s work.
Approaches are mixed and it’s too early to analyze outcomes, but here’s a sampling of how Canada is spurring tech talent innovation in 2024.
Upgrade Your Skills
In December 2023, there were more than 700,000 job vacancies in Canada—and yet 1.2 million Canadians remained unemployed.
In response to this gap, the federal government earlier this year launched a new awareness campaign.
“Investing in the workers of today means experiencing a successful workforce tomorrow,” Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment and Workforce Development, stated in February.
Dubbed “Upgrade Your Skills,” the national advertising initiative aims to inform Canadians about financial supports and other programs available to help talent gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s market.
“We must provide for workers so they have the right skill sets to find higher paying jobs, protect our standard of living and build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy,” Boissonnault said.
The campaign nudged Canadians toward the government’s Develop Your Skills platform—a digital repository of information about resources that Canadians can benefit from, including financial assistance programs such as the Canada Apprentice Loan and Apprenticeship Grants; education savings benefits such as the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond; youth volunteer service and work placement opportunities; development programs like Skills for Success; and job-seeking tools.
Economic Development Week
British Columbia Economic Development Week saw $3.2 million for three B.C. projects funded through PacifiCan’s Community Economic Development and Diversification program and $500,000 for one project through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program.
“During Economic Development Week, we are shining a spotlight on B.C.’s thriving businesses and vibrant communities,” stated Harjit Sajjan, Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, in May.
“Investing in innovation, strong communities, and our workforce is laying the groundwork for prosperity for British Columbians today and well into the future,” the federal minister continued.
British Columbia is home to industry-leading innovation, world-class destinations, and thriving communities, according to the Government of Canada, which claims to be “supporting economic growth that will help B.C. businesses and communities thrive now and for years to come.”
More than 600 businesses are expected to benefit in total form these investments, which are forecast to create over 1,200 jobs.
Creating Cleantech Careers
A partnership between the Province of British Columbia and Vancouver International Airport is aimed at reducing pollution in aviation while promoting technological innovation and creating new jobs in the sector.
YVR is Canada’s second-largest international airport by passenger volume and employs more than 26,000 people on Sea Island alone (its workforce is over 126,000 province-wide).
Through a signed memorandum of understanding, B.C. and YVR will collaborate with partners, communities, and stakeholders across aviation and aerospace over a three-year period.
The initiative builds on a prior partnership with the Province from 2022 to deliver an Integrated Marketplace Initiative through the StrongerBC Economic Plan.
The partnership emphasizes the importance of cultivating technology and talent, targeting an increase in cleantech investment and promotion of made-in-B.C. technology—and the “good jobs” that tend to accompany these things.
Among other goals, the province intends to “promote workforce development growth to meet demand for skilled workers in aerospace and aviation.”
As a longtime “economic engine and jobs creator for British Columbia,” YVR is well-positioned to generate impact through the collaboration, according to Tamara Vrooman, chief executive of the airport.
“This partnership recognizes the importance of aviation to the diversification of the provincial economy including zero-carbon innovation, technology, international trade and investment, and skills training,” Vrooman stated.
It’s all a part of “creating a dynamic marketplace for sustainable made-in-B.C. technologies,” according to Brenda Bailey, who serves as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
More Investment, More Jobs
The Government of Canada recently announced strategic investments in B.C.-based projects aimed at helping scale up local businesses to develop and market new technologies.
The government in March unveiled almost $14 million in PacifiCan funding to help seven Vancouver-based businesses and organizations in British Columbia grow.
The funding includes $11.5 million for four companies through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-Up and Productivity program and $2.4 million for three companies through its Jobs and Growth Fund.
Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, made the announcement at Clarius Mobile Health in Vancouver, a medical device company receiving over $3.3 million in PacifiCan funding.
“We’re investing in the success of seven innovative Vancouver companies so they can scale up and go global,” stated Ng. “This world-class city is home to some of our best and brightest who are pushing the boundaries in so many different exciting sectors and we’re going to bring this talent around the world.”
Through the investments, hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created as the companies expand their teams, including 80 through Clarius’ expansion.
In total, this round of PacifiCan investments are expected to create over 380 jobs and more than $330 million in revenue growth, according to forecasts from the federal government.
It’s Never Too Late to Skill Up
Upskilling takes on many forms and reaps many benefits, including staying ahead of the demand curve when it comes to employment opportunities and trends.
As digitization, automation, and other technology continues to take over, experts posit that upskilling is poised to become increasingly essential to a productive career.
Looking to blaze a career trail in tech? Check out the TechTalent.ca Job Board—it’s free to peruse.
Photo by Tomas Williams on Unsplash
