Spotlight on Canada’s Labour Force and the Recovery

Labour Market Information Council (LMIC)

Gladys Okine Ahovi

Executive Lead

Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity

Rachel Mishenene

Executive Director, Canada Programs

Right to Play

Part of The Future of Work Series presented by

Published on February 11, 2021

Watch or Read the Experts' Full Interviews

Empowering Canadians Through Skills Strategies Karen Myers Founder & President Blueprint
TalentWork
Preparing Canada’s Workforce for the Post-Pandemic Future Steven Tobin Executive Director Labour Market Information Council (LMIC)
WorkStrategy
Preparing Canada’s Youth for the Future Gladys Okine Ahovi Executive Lead Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity
YouthTalentWork
Skills Development for Indigenous Teachers and Learners Rachel Mishenene Executive Director, Canada Programs Right to Play
IndigenousTalentWorkYouth

The pandemic has disproportionately impacted Canada’s underrepresented groups, including those women, youth, Indigenous people and recent immigrants, and our economy depends on their full inclusion in the workforce. The policies and programs that may have served Canada well in past economic crises must be revisited if we are to ensure a strong post-pandemic recovery that empowers all Canadians.

We spoke with Canadian leaders on labour market data, education, diversity and inclusion and the support that is needed to create a resilient economic recovery that will lead to a just and equitable Canadian economy.

Takeaways

Canada should not rely on outdated credential models in education and must focus on the skills that are needed for successful employment.
Behind any strong skills strategy for the recovery is the need for quality, relevant and accessible labour market information.
Canada’s workforce and education system must go beyond students and the unemployed to support working adults through the lifelong learning process.
Canada’s labour market is becoming increasingly polarized by the adoption of new technologies, and we must mitigate the risks of automation through good job design.