Canada’s Future Skills: Building an Inclusive, Resilient Workforce
On October 15, we hosted “A Future Built on Skills: Securing Canada’s Prosperity,” bringing together some of Canada’s most influential voices in skills, training, and workforce development, from government and business to education, labour and community. It was a one-day hybrid forum designed to spark conversations about how workers in Canada can thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.
A standout moment was our fireside chat with The Honourable Patti Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, in conversation with Noel Baldwin, on the future of skills in Canada. They explore how technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming everyday work, the importance of breaking down stigma around the skilled trades, and how to ensure everyone can share in the opportunities ahead.
“Everyone matters in this economy,” said Rob Fleming, former British Columbia Minister of Education and Transportation and Infrastructure, setting the tone for the day. Building a resilient workforce, he noted, will require collaboration across all sectors, smarter coordination of investments and a renewed focus on people.
Panelists from our Current State of Skills session explored how Canada can stay competitive on the world stage by putting skills at the centre of our economic strategy. Dr. Glenda Quintini, senior economist at the OECD, noted that countries leading globally in skills development have one thing in common: they make skills strategy a national priority, and for Canada that means aligning curricula with in-demand skills and expanding lifelong learning opportunities.
Digital literacy, green skills, and soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are now essential for everyone, from tradespeople to tech professionals. Through insights from FSC’s consortium, the critical gaps that must be addressed to move forward effectively, and the importance of strengthening foundational and digital skills that help workers grow and succeed in a rapidly changing economy.
Equity and inclusion were front and center in many of the conversations throughout the day. The forum highlighted the need for mentorship, access to capital, and support navigating complex systems so that everyone has a fair shot at opportunity.
The day wrapped up with the From Talk to Action session and a shared message: Canada’s workforce is only as strong as the support and opportunities we provide. By investing in people, fostering inclusion, and embracing innovation, we can help Canadians build the skills they need to succeed, and secure a prosperous future for the country.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in-person and virtually!
