Net-zero economy to create new job opportunities

From: IRCC

Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

To avert the worst impacts of climate change, Canada has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Transitioning to a net-zero economy is expected to be disruptive, but it will also create new global employment opportunities.

In fall 2022, The Conference Board of Canada presented two events on behalf of the Future Skills Centre that focused on the role of skills in the transition to a net-zero economy.

Together, these events – in Ottawa and Vancouver – hosted more than 130 participants and 20 speakers.

Attendees at these events discussed how Canada’s net-zero objectives will affect the future of the labour market.

This feature summarizes the five key themes that emerged in discussions from those two events.

Different paths to the same goal. One size doesn’t fit all. Recognizing regional and sectoral differences is essential.

Approaches and solutions will vary across Canada, given that the needs and circumstances of the transition will be largely impacted by regional differences.

For instance, the needs of communities – as well as their opportunities and challenges – differ based on factors such as their location, climate, and size. Solutions for Northern communities are especially limited given their deployment costs, harsher climates, and remote locations.

Local conversations are critical. Decisions can’t reside solely with the federal and provincial/territorial governments – voices from all levels of government and local stakeholders must be included. We are stronger when we work together and include the ideas and perspectives of those who are traditionally excluded from these conversations. Through this, we can create pathways to net-zero.

Retrain, rethink, and transform. Skills are central to reaching net-zero emissions. But we’re not prepared.

By mapping out Canada’s gaps and opportunities in green skills, we can better understand what we need and how to get there. If we know our training needs, we can develop responsive and targeted programs to ensure Canadian workers have the knowledge and skills to tackle the climate crisis.

Getting there will take intentional and thoughtful collaboration among key players like employers, post-secondary institutions and government. A sustainable transition strategy will also require policies and supports that allow all workers and workplaces to retrain, rethink, and transform.

For example, the building sector is in high need of workers with green skills. Training programs that help mid-career workers in this sector develop the know-how to create green infrastructure will be critical. This can help respond to green skills shortages and support Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Youth: Leaders of today and tomorrow. We must create an inspiring world today for the leaders of tomorrow.

We need to prepare young Canadians with the skills, work environment, and inspiration to help Canada succeed in a green economy. This means developing and supporting a culture of innovation and continuous learning through, for example, government policies and training programs at all levels of education.

Young people are already at the forefront of climate change action and climate justice. They will be the ones leading us through the massive and complicated transformations.

To add to the complexity, these changes will need to happen during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions, changing economic circumstances, and rapid digitalization. Innovation, creativity, and the ability to solve problems in novel ways will be essential for Canada to navigate the climate crisis.

Inclusion can drive success. Practices that support under-represented Canadians are key to addressing talent shortages and labour gaps.

Those who typically face discrimination and barriers to education, including Indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, and racialized Canadians, should be brought into the conversation and given equal opportunity to contribute.

It goes beyond inclusive training and hiring. As a nation, we need to get better at involving the perspectives and approaches of all Canadians.

For instance, incorporating Indigenous practices and approaches to climate change policies can help protect resources like fresh water. Doing so will require engaged reconciliation and cooperation, which will require building reciprocal trust. This takes time, but is critical to authentic, mutually prosperous, and long-lasting relationships – all of which are essential for a sustainable Canada.

The need for collective will. Despite a lack of clarity on how to tackle our net-zero goals, we need to continue moving forward together.

Our ability to navigate the growing complexities of the climate crisis goes far beyond singular tactics and approaches. We need to coordinate our efforts to work across sectors toward the same goal – net-zero emissions.

This means, for example, investing in innovation, harnessing our curiosity, and rethinking our old ways of doing things that have traditionally left under-represented voices unheard.

Uncertainty and change are constant, but a collective will and dedication are essential to our success. We can best drive Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy by exchanging ideas and sharing what we’re learning about sustainable futures.