As Canada aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the Royal Bank of Canada estimates that this transition can create 400,000 new jobs in Canada by the end of the decade.
Canadian colleges are uniquely positioned to quickly develop thousands of training and research opportunities to help Canadians access these new jobs, support energy security and sustainability in Canada, and foster inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Established in 2020, Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) convened colleges, institutions, cégeps and polytechnics with acknowledged leadership on sustainability-related education, research and engagement in their provinces and jurisdictions.
The support and enthusiasm expressed by all C2R2’s partners enabled immediate and collective action to realize the mission of the coalition—to support a truly resilient economy nationally by creating new and inclusive training and applied research opportunities that engage the workforce, support businesses, and showcase innovation across Canada.
A resilient recovery offers accessible training, national curricula and microcredentials.
In 2023, C2R2 launched Quick Train Canada, a skills training program that allows Canadian workers to upskill in weeks, not years. In its first year, the program saw the upskilling of over 10,000 learners across high-demand sectors. Quick Train also opened the door for the development of national curricula with pan-Canadian impact and the licensing of curricula across institutions. C2R2 is dedicated to expanding its impact, developing a national training network to help industrial, skilled, and trade workers across sectors upgrade or gain new skills related to energy security and sustainability.
A resilient recovery is supported by business, industry and government through applied research and innovation.
C2R2 kicked 2024 off with the launch of the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant, in partnership with Wawanesa Insurance, providing five Canadian youth the opportunity to lead climate-related projects that support real change in their communities. The coalition is committed to continue collaborating with businesses, industry sector associations and government agencies to support innovation and research projects that train the workforce and align with the technologies of the future.
A resilient recovery is inclusive and equitable.
With the launch of the Resilient Housing Project in 2023, the coalition co-developed housing construction courses with the leadership and advisement of Indigenous communities, training workers in Indigenous and rural communities across three provinces. C2R2 will continue to advance its commitment to recognizing the importance of inclusive opportunities, support equity and offering ongoing actions to truth and reconciliation efforts with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
C2R2 provides a unique contribution to workforce development, complementing the work of aligning organizations to support a multifaceted strategy for innovation and workforce development.
Through the efforts of the coalition, C2R2 has no doubt that Canada will meet its goal of net zero by 2050 with a workforce ready to take on its changing economy.
C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located in Hamilton, Ontario, at Mohawk College.
Quick Train Canada is a learning platform powered by C2R2.
A pan-Canadian coalition of colleges, cégeps, institutes and polytechnics supporting a climate-focused economic recovery.
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