Patty Hajdu, the minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the federal economic development agency for Northern Ontario, has announced the launch of the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance to address labour market issues.
The alliance is the first of six workforce alliances to be rolled out as part of the federal government’s workforce support measures. It will determine and progress industry-led solutions to bolster the workforce required at all mineral and metal production stages.
The Mining Industry Human Resources Council will be the lead delivery organization, with significant backing from the Mining Association of Canada. They will bring together network members representing employers, labour, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous partners, and under-employed groups to develop a workforce strategy to address skills gaps and issues impacting the mining and minerals workforce.
The group’s work is expected to spur the building of sustainable talent pipelines in the mining and minerals sectors, support major projects, and progress federal priorities.
“As external pressures continue to affect key sectors, these investments will help empower Canadian workers with the skills they need to adapt. The Alliance will serve a crucial role in ensuring that Canada’s mining workforce is well equipped to support the ambitious national infrastructure projects that will strengthen Canada and enhance our economic independence,” Hajdu said in a statement.
Energy and natural resources minister Tim Hodgson added that a skilled mining workforce was vital in the face of global demand for critical minerals.
“Demand for critical minerals is growing, new technologies are reshaping how resources are extracted and the need for a skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce has never been greater,” said Ryan Montpellier, MiHR’s executive director. “This collaboration ensures that the people who power our sector have the skills, opportunities and support they need to succeed – and that Canada remains a global leader in responsible resource development.”
Other workforce alliances in the pipeline will focus on advanced manufacturing, energy and electricity, transportation and supply chains, housing and construction, and the care economy. The federal government has invested $81 million in the alliances over a five-year period.
Nova Scotia establishes mining roundtable
Nova Scotia has also launched a mining roundtable comprising mining industry leaders who will help the provincial government identify mining sector opportunities.
The roundtable will report to natural resources minister Tory Rushton. It begins meeting this month.
The group’s objectives include:
- identifying policy, regulatory and investment barriers
- helping to develop the provincial mining strategy and identify opportunities to improve Nova Scotia’s competitiveness
- making recommendations and providing feedback on strategic priorities
“This work will ensure our province continues to be a place where responsible resource development is welcomed, companies want to invest and workers and communities share in the benefits,” Rushton said in a statement.
The Nova Scotia government has earmarked $300,000 in the 2026-27 budget to support the mining industry’s growth.