Canada’s energy sector employs more than 300,000 workers—a number which could balloon to more than two million by 2050.
Electricity demand in Canada is “set to grow rapidly as industries electrify and the economy digitizes,” according to Vittoria Bellissimo, chief executive officer of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
“However, none of this happens without skilled workers,” she warns.
In response, the federal government this week launched the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance.
The Alliance will connect employers, workers, and educators to help build a skilled workforce as Canada transitions to a cleaner energy economy.
“Today’s launch of the new Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance is a crucial step,” posits Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu.
“Building a strong workforce requires the voices of those closest to workers,” Hajdu said. “This new Alliance will bring those voices to the forefront to help ensure Canada’s electricity and energy sector has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.”
The Energy and Electricity Alliance will be led by Electricity Human Resources Canada, with support from the Energy Council of Canada as well as the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
Together, these organizations will identify and address labour market challenges and align investments to support skills development, in order to inform evidence-based approaches and initiatives that recognize the importance of workforce strategies for skilling, labour mobility, and the adoption of emerging technologies.
“This investment is a significant step toward building the workforce that Canada’s energy future demands,” agrees Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Human Resources Canada.
“As our sector is transformed by new technologies, digital innovation, and major infrastructure development, success will depend on collaboration, coordination, and a shared commitment to workforce planning,” she said.
Through the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance, EHRC “will bring partners together to strengthen workforce planning and develop the skilled workforce needed,” according to Branigan.
Canada’s energy strength is built on “the expertise of a highly skilled workforce across the sector,” says Howard Shearer, Chair, Energy Council of Canada.
“Amidst global volatility and growing power demand, Canada is taking action to strengthen our position as an energy superpower,” commented Minister of Energy Tim Hodgson.
“The Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance is a key part of that,” he continued, “bringing together partners to make sure Canadian workers have the right skills and support workforce development across the energy sector.”
“By investing in our workforce today, we are preparing to build the energy systems and economy of tomorrow,” Hodgson stated.
The Alliance builds on a series of workforce support measures originally announced in September. This includes the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance unveiled in June and the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences.
