February 26, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada's long-term economic success depends on supporting workers through labour market transitions. Emerging industries and new technologies require workers to gain new skills needed by employers in growing sectors, and workers deserve support while gaining these skills.
The Government of Canada established the Union-Led Advisory Table to help workers acquire the skills that match current labour market needs, and to help those in at-risk jobs to transition into good-quality jobs. The Advisory Table met from December 2023 to October 2024. It was chaired by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and included 14 other labour leaders from across Canada with expertise across sectors. The Advisory Table looked at how workers can navigate the pressing issues facing them today, including automation and ongoing transitions in the economy.
Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Steven MacKinnon announced the completion of the Union-Led Advisory Table's work and the publication of their final report, Unions Power Prosperity: A Report from the Union-Led Advisory Table.
The report outlines recommendations that reflect the unique perspectives of the Advisory Table's labour leaders, including:
- aligning skills and workforce development strategies with industry and sector needs;
- supporting workers, including older workers, through job transitions from declining sectors to growth sectors, and enabling portable skills recognition and training;
- ensuring that workers have access to continuous learning opportunities and foundational skills to succeed at different stages of their careers; and
- increasing opportunities for women and under-represented groups to access skilled trades and occupations in demand.
The Advisory Table members' work is one of many steps taken by the Government of Canada, including developing priorities that will help build a modern and inclusive Canadian workforce for the 21st century. This will help workers transition into jobs and sectors that need them, including green jobs in the energy sector as Canada moves to a low-carbon economy.
Collaboration between workers, unions, employers, employer organizations and government brings together a wide range of perspectives that reflect Canada's workforce, as well as Canada's labour market needs.
