The federal government is launching a new alliance targeting workforce upskilling in Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sectors.
Canada unveiled $8.7 million to launch the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences, dubbed CASTL, under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
The life sciences and biomanufacturing sector “drives innovation, improves health outcomes, strengthens supply chains, and supports good jobs across the country,” according to a statement from the government, and has a high demand for skilled talent.
“In a time of global trade uncertainty, building a stronger, more resilient Canada starts by investing in our workers,” commented Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families.
The investment “will help more Canadians gain the skills they need for rewarding careers in life sciences and biomanufacturing, while giving employers access to the talent they need to grow,” according to Hajdu.
The first project from CASTL is “Supporting Workforce Capacity in Canada’s Biomanufacturing Sector.”
This project will help mitigate skill shortages, connect qualified workers with jobs, and open pathways to careers by training and supporting nearly 2,000 Canadians.
“Investing in the workforce means investing in Canada’s future,” remarked Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. “This funding will empower Canadians with what they need to succeed in a competitive job market, creating pathways to meaningful careers.”
“By strengthening workforce development, we are ensuring that our skilled workers are ready to meet the growing demands of the life sciences and biomanufacturing sectors,” Casey continued. “This investment will help build a more prosperous and resilient Canada and strengthen our contributions to the development of the next generation of medicines.”
Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sector includes almost 4,000 companies which employ well over 200,000 skilled workers nationwide.
By 2029, the field is expected to require an 65,000 additional workers.
“The Government of Canada is investing in the skills and talent of Canadians, ensuring our workers have the tools they need to drive innovation and grow Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sector, a critical industry for our country’s future,” stated minister of industry Mélanie Joly. “A highly skilled Canadian workforce will help fill the good jobs being created in this rapidly evolving sector and develop the health technologies of tomorrow, right here at home.”
The more is part of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, which launched in 2021, the same year that The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program was announced.
CASTL will be headed by chief executive officer Penny Walsh, who affirms that “Building a skilled workforce is essential to strengthening Canada’s economy, advancing innovation, and ensuring a resilient life sciences sector.”
“This investment will equip employers with the talent they need and Canadian workers with the skills needed for meaningful careers,” Walsh posits.
“We will bring world-leading expertise and best practices to workforce development across Canada,” the CEO stated.
