Decarbonization is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create skilled jobs, grow the economy, and lower emissions, according to a recent statement from the federal government.
In response, Canada has revealed nearly $70 million in investments targeting the nation’s shift to cleaner energy.
The $67M investment will be spread across 10 projects, upskilling nearly 30,000 workers in Canada’s clean energy sectors through 2030.
“Just as entire sectors are changing, so too should our workforce,” argues Steven MacKinnon, federal Minister of Jobs and Families.
“[This] investment in the jobs, sectors, and opportunities of tomorrow underscores … the work we are doing to help train 29,300 tradespeople with the green skills they need to help Canada not only get ahead of this green shift but stay there too,” he stated.
The funding hails from the Sustainable Jobs funding stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. These programs are part of the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act.
“This investment ensures Canada’s tradespeople will have the skills to meet the moment as we transition to a cleaner, greener economy,” commented Sean Strickland, who serves as Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions.
“The projects supported through this funding will ensure well-paid, unionized, skilled tradespeople lead the way on clean economic growth, and ensure Canada can seize the once-in-a-generation opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the global race for clean economy investments,” he stated.
Examples of industries where tradespeople with green training are required include low-carbon building construction, clean energy deployment, and the zero-emission vehicles and battery supply chain, according to the government.
And applications of clean energy skills are expanding. Home retrofits and new builds, for example, increasingly require construction workers to be equipped with specialized skills. Opportunities are rising as Canada’s Housing Plan aims to build nearly four million new homes by 2031.