The federal government has launched the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance to develop a skilled workforce that can support energy development and grid modernization.
This is the fourth workforce alliance established as part of the broader workforce measures introduced by the government in response to tariff concerns last year. The Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance will comprise employers, unions, industry groups, post-secondary educational institutions, and Indigenous partners related to conventional energy and clean electricity generation, transmission, and grid modernization.
Electricity Human Resources Canada spearheads the alliance, backed by the Energy Council of Canada and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. The three organizations will identify and tackle labour market challenges and support skills development by aligning investments and activities at all levels .
The Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance seeks to champion sector-specific workforce solutions and construct sustainable talent pipelines for present and upcoming needs.
“Amidst global volatility and growing power demand, Canada is taking action to strengthen our position as an energy superpower. The Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance is a key part of that, bringing together partners to make sure Canadian workers have the right skills and support workforce development across the energy sector,” said Tim Hodgson, Canada’s energy and natural resources minister, in a statement.
Energy Council of Canada chair Howard Shearer added that the nation’s energy capability was “built on its resource endowment and the expertise of a highly skilled workforce across the sector.” The government noted that Canada’s energy and electricity sector is critical to meeting the rising demand in electrification and clean energy sources; thus, it requires significant generation, transmission, and grid modernization investments.
“This investment is a significant step toward building the workforce that Canada’s energy future demands. As our sector is transformed by new technologies, digital innovation and major infrastructure development, success will depend on collaboration, coordination and a shared commitment to workforce planning,” said Michelle Branigan, EHRC’s chief executive officer.
Clean Energy Canada forecasted that 2.2 million new jobs will be created by 2050 at a rate of 7 percent per year. Nonetheless, heavy-duty mechanics and industrial technicians remain in short supply.
“Electricity demand in Canada is set to grow rapidly as industries electrify and the economy digitizes. Wind, solar and energy storage are the fastest and most affordable ways to meet that demand while modernizing the grid. However, none of this happens without skilled workers,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s president and CEO.
Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the federal economic development agency for Northern Ontario, said the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance marked a significant step in securing Canada’s energy future.
Last month, the government established the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance. The Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance, launched in June, was the first workforce alliance rolled out.