Opinion | BY RON MCKERLIE | June 10, 2024
We must collectively ensure that workers and employers in all regions of Canada have the skills and resources to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow.
The federal government should continue supporting projects that are national in scope to ensure regional comparative advantages, strengths, and challenges are addressed, writes Ron McKerlie.
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The support of the federal government has been critical in ensuring Canadians of all ages have access to lifelong learning opportunities that meet the demands of our changing economy and workforce.
As the country expands its industrial base and economic opportunities, we must collectively ensure that workers and employers in all regions of Canada have the skills and resources to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow.
With funding through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) launched Quick Train Canada in 2023—a project that offered demand-driven workforce training solutions for a clean economy. The project supported short-cycle training to Canadians of all ages to upskill in their current sector, or to reskill for new opportunities. C2R2 also initiated—with ESDC funding—Resilient Housing and Upskilling for Canada’s Communities, a collaborative program in remote Indigenous communities to support efficiency in buildings and energy solutions.
The extensive influence and success of initiatives like Quick Train Canada and Resilient Housing and Upskilling for Canada’s Communities underscores how imperative federal government investments are in addressing the growing need to engage, retain, and cultivate the Canadian workforce, particularly as industries and the economy pivot towards new opportunities. The impact and nimbleness of these projects increase dramatically when government contributes resources. Funding provided by the Government of Canada plays a crucial role in fostering confidence, competitiveness, and the requisite skills among Canadians, thereby bolstering the country’s competitive advantage.
A convenor to support Canada’s economy
While Canada’s population, communities, and economy grow and evolve, these changes are made easier when proper supports are in place, and there is strong engagement with industry partners, partner institutions, and likeminded organizations.
The organizations the Government of Canada has previously supported with investments through SWSP serve as examples of how a collective impact framework can rapidly advance the goals of the federal government. These organizations have broad networks, actively seek collaboration opportunities with industry leaders, and have an ability to lead national conversation. The collective impact approach taken by these organizations through SWSP has allowed projects aligned with the overarching goals of the federal government to be achieved quickly, with training opportunities being made available to Canadians within months of the federal investment.
Readying workers and employers for the future
Without the support of the federal government, projects like Quick Train Canada and Resilient Housing and Upskilling for Canada’s Communities could not have been implemented with such agility.
C2R2 believes the Government of Canada should continue supporting projects that are national in scope to ensure regional comparative advantages, strengths, and challenges are addressed, and that Canadians are provided equal opportunity to contribute to their country’s growing economy.
We applaud the Government of Canada as it continues to create new opportunities to help employers, organizations, and employees extend their knowledge base. The most recent funding opportunity available through ESDC under the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund will support a range of training projects that ensure workers and employers across Canada have the skills and resources needed to thrive in a greener, more sustainable economy.
As Canada’s economy continues to evolve regionally and nationally, so, too, will industry demand. Government-supported national initiatives are important—now more than ever—to support mid-career upskilling and reskilling of all Canadians, readying our country for the future, and reinforcing Canada’s position as a leader on the global stage.
Ron J. McKerlie is the president and CEO of Mohawk College, and chair of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery.
