Future Skills Centre statement in response to federal budget 2021

April 19, 2021

The Future Skills Centre welcomes the federal government’s announcement of much-needed further investment in skills development and training – a key pillar for a sustained, inclusive economic recovery. 

The budget outlines important investments that build momentum on existing efforts toward recovery and innovation: industry-led skilling approaches in sectors facing significant disruption, a strong focus on ensuring equitable access to skills and entrepreneurship, and an emphasis on rapid response that disseminates the bulk of a $2.47 billion investment. 

Programs and supports outlined by the government align with our investment in innovation and learning and we see a strong opportunity to boost, grow and accelerate momentum in emerging innovations and strategies that are working. 

For instance, the budget proposes to provide $960 million over three years beginning in 2021-22, to Employment and Social Development Canada for a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to help train workers in shifting industries. We are already supporting sectors like health through partnerships like accelerating the adoption of AI in healthcare, tourism through a rapid response project, and technology where new digital platforms ramp up the recruitment of apprentices. There are opportunities to expand and scale these models starting now.

The government also proposes to help community recovery through training and workforce planning, and EDGE UP is an example of current work supporting those in transitioning sectors like energy – as just one of many partnerships where local communities are thinking ahead. 

Therefore continued government investment will help, given the scale of current disruption particularly affecting groups like women, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, newcomers and youth. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and with our partner organizations to together test approaches, generate evidence and scale promising initiatives so that individuals and economic sectors are prepared for a competitive future. 

Media Contact

Eglantine Ronfard
Communications Manager
Future Skills Centre
communications@fsc-ccf.ca
647-262-3706

Related Content

In the Media

Canadians need better skills training and recognition to tackle 21st century challenges

• January 21, 2025
• Across Canada

Content from: Policy Options By: Noel Baldwin | January 21, 2025 While Canada gets decent grades in numeracy, literacy and problem-solving, the country is not a superstar performer.

In the Media

L’intelligence artificielle menace 810 000 emplois au Québec

• January 20, 2025
• Across Canada

Contenu provenant de : lapresse.ca | 15 janvier 2025 Comme toutes les nouvelles technologies, l’arrivée de l’intelligence artificielle dans nos vies fait craindre des pertes d’emplois dans plusieurs secteurs d’activité. Au Québec, 810 000 personnes, soit 18 % de la main-d’œuvre totale, occupent un emploi vulnérable au développement de l’intelligence artificielle, selon une étude de l’Institut du Québec.

In the Media

Getting Canadians Ready for the Future of Skills

• January 20, 2025
• Across Canada

Content from: TheFutureEconomy.ca January 20, 2025 The PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) survey measures adult proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving across countries. Despite increased educational attainment globally, PIAAC results show that skill levels, particularly in literacy, have not improved significantly, with a noticeable decline in some nations. Canada performed above the OECD average in all skill domains, with younger adults (25-34) showing the highest proficiency. The survey also highlights the importance of adaptive problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in today’s rapidly changing job market, particularly in the face of technological advancements. However, the findings stress the need to address widening skill gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, who face barriers to education and training. Policymakers are urged to prioritize accessible and flexible training opportunities, foster collaboration between employers, the public sector, and trade unions, and integrate both technical and soft skills into educational frameworks to ensure equitable and effective workforce development.

View all Engagement