The Royal Bank of Canada predicts that transitioning to a net-zero economy could generate up to 400,000 new jobs in Canada by the end of this decade. This estimate comes at a time when the country is already facing labor shortages, particularly in sectors like professional, scientific, technical, construction, and manufacturing. Additionally, the aging population and declining workforce participation are expected to exacerbate the labor shortages, with approximately 600,000 workers projected to retire within the next three years.
To address these challenges and seize economic opportunities, the Canadian government released the Sustainable Jobs Plan in February 2023. This plan outlines 10 key actions, including the establishment of Regional Energy and Resource Tables. Consultations were conducted by NRCan, with significant engagement from various stakeholders, resulting in valuable feedback from Canadian organizations, provinces, and territories.
Canada is well-positioned to capitalize on the global push towards achieving net-zero emissions, and the government has been working diligently for seven years to enhance regulations, invest in strategies, and promote clean energy and technology. The Interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, emphasizes the importance of partnership with provinces and territories to harness the economic benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon future.
As part of the plan, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act has been introduced by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources. This legislation encompasses measures outlined in the Interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and engagement. It establishes a framework for accountability, a governance structure, and engagement mechanisms to prioritize workers and communities in policy and decision-making processes. Key provisions include the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, the publication of a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years, and the establishment of a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.
The Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act aims to ensure that future governments remain committed to supporting workers and fostering a strong economy for future generations. It establishes structures, guidelines, and accountability mechanisms, similar to the Net-Zero Accountability Act, to enable Canadians to assess the performance of governments in the pursuit of sustainable job creation.
The Interim Plan and the new legislation have been shaped through extensive consultations over two years, involving provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers, unions, industry, environmental organizations, civil society, and the public. These initiatives build upon the federal government’s previous investments of over $120 billion since 2016 to develop a clean economy and more than $1.5 billion in historic investments for sustainable job skills programs.
Moving forward, the Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with partners and stakeholders, including the Partnership Council, to develop a 2025 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan. The objective is to ensure equitable access to quality and sustainable employment opportunities for Canadians across all regions.
