The Future of Skills Development: What Canada Must Do Now to Lead

Students returned to school this fall to a very different environment from previous years. Beyond the usual challenges of a new year, they are now navigating cell phone bans, the rise of generative AI, and increasing concern over the role technology plays in their lives and mental health. These changes, while intended to enhance learning, are also contributing to confusion and anxiety for students, parents and educators alike. In this rapidly evolving landscape, how do we ensure that Canada’s youth are equipped to lead in a world dominated by technology?

The Role of STEM in Canada’s Future Prosperity

It is hard to dispute that the solutions to many of our world’s problems–and many opportunities for future prosperity–lie within science and technology. Most Canadians now agree that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) literacy and experience are non-negotiables despite ongoing uncertainty around specific jobs and industries. 

We absolutely need to prepare youth to become Canada’s leaders through exposure to STEM. But, within the current context, we must also ensure STEM learning is done in ways that mitigate risks to their mental health, connect what they are learning to the world around them, and balance online and offline experiences. 

I’ve been working with youth in STEM outreach for over 25 years, and I’ve seen the tremendous impact STEM engagement has on young people, especially when exposed to it early. It builds confidence, fuels curiosity, sparks imagination and builds foundational skills, including technical literacy, math competency, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for any career path.

Preparing Youth Through STEM: Building Future Leaders

Investments in STEM learning, both inside and outside the formal classroom, particularly related to technology, have grown tremendously over the last decade, and they should continue. Though access remains uneven in Canada, where some youth have more opportunities than others, we are making progress and must continue to find ways to reach those who are being left out of STEM opportunities. 

Youth, no matter their background, crave opportunities to solve problems and apply the skills they are learning in school to real-world issues. There are more and more examples of positive policy changes to support the practical application of STEM learning. In Ontario, financial literacy was recently added to the high school curriculum, which is an excellent example of relatable math learning. More of this type of curriculum evolution can help youth prepare to navigate their current and future worlds. 

I’ve seen many creative STEM educators connect what they are teaching with the world around us. I encourage more of this, whether they are discussing challenges like sustainability and climate change or sharing new career opportunities like cybersecurity or digital agriculture with their students. As the innovators of tomorrow, it’s crucial to spark passions and inspire new ambitions for Canada’s youth today.

Another policy change affecting learning is school cellphone bans, which provide reasonable boundaries between being online and off. This will have a tremendous benefit for youth. It’s not about stifling innovation or banning technology altogether but taking a responsible approach to remove unnecessary digital distractions that hurt youth and their ability to learn. 

The fact is that technology has its risks, which we must address with policies like this. However, we must also acknowledge that whatever the future holds, technology will continue to be at the forefront. We must, therefore, support youth in using technology responsibly and safely while also ensuring they continue to learn vital digital skills. 

Youth Mental Health: An Urgent Challenge

Yet, none of these positive changes will matter if youth are not mentally and emotionally ready to face the future we’re preparing them for. A decline in youth mental health is one of my biggest concerns, and it must be addressed urgently if we want our children to thrive as adults.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) recently released results from the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, which showed that nearly 40% of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 rated their mental health as fair or poor and reported elevated stress levels. Over half of the students also reported a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress. These numbers are staggering. 

More support is needed for youth and those who are raising and supporting them so that we can help them through this. This includes guidance on mitigating risks related to social media, cyberbullying, online exploitation, misinformation, and many other dangers youth face today that didn’t exist a generation ago. It is imperative to not only prepare youth for future careers but also for a future where they can thrive mentally and emotionally. 

Building a Balanced, Resilient Future for Canada’s Youth

Investments in STEM education and exposure for youth must continue, and this includes making changes to the way youth experience STEM learning so that they can connect it to the world around them. Alongside that, we must equip young people with knowledge and resources so they can make responsible choices when it comes to technology, excel in both online and offline learning environments, and gain the emotional health and wellness they need to face whatever comes next. 

If we get this right, and I’m confident we can, we will create a generation of resilient, thoughtful and prepared leaders to take on whatever Canada’s future holds.