Rural, Remote, & Northern Communities
Research
Workers Perspectives on Alberta’s Coal Workers Transition Program
This project examined how effectively Alberta’s Coal Workforce Transition Program supported workers affected by the province’s coal phase-out and what lessons it offers for future transition efforts in Canada.
Research
Mapping Food Sustainability in Canada
We mapped the current ecosystem of food sustainability initiatives and sought to collect and compile the current coverage of food sustainability programs in Canada. We analyzed what training programs offer, if any, as well as the targeted interventions for Indigenous Peoples and equity-deserving groups.
Research
Indigenous Community Health Workers in Canada
In this analysis we draw on Statistics Canada data to make this hidden yet essential workforce more visible. We highlight where Indigenous community health workers are located, describe the job settings in which they work, and profile their educational backgrounds.
Research
Training to Retain: Strengthening the Role of Indigenous Community Health Workers
Despite their critical role, Indigenous community health workers are often insufficiently supported, and there are not enough community health workers in Indigenous communities in Canada to meet healthcare needs. This research responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action by examining how Indigenous community health workers can be better supported, retained, and equipped to serve their communities.
Project
Inshore Fishery Development in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut
The Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut faces both significant opportunity and structural challenges as it seeks to expand community-based inshore fisheries. With isolated communities and a rapidly growing youth population, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) has prioritized creating accessible pathways into fisheries-related careers through hands-on learning, training, and internships.
Project
Project Connect: Professional Project Administrator Program
Indigenous Peoples represent the fastest growing and youngest population in Canada, offering critical potential to address skills shortages. Yet systemic inequities in access to education and training persist, resulting in lower employment outcomes and increased vulnerability to economic downturns.
Research
Technology and Agriculture: Adoption and Barriers
Without explicit educational support, small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and diverse-owned agribusiness may be left out of the AgTech revolution. Skills-based supports are needed to maintain market competitiveness and ensure technology literacy and adoption issues are equalized—not accentuated—among groups.
Research
Supporting Rural Agriculture Entrepreneurship: Reframing the Discourse
This research examined how agriculture sector stereotypes impair the growth and sustainability of the sector. Rural agriculture entrepreneurs face several challenges more than traditional businesses.
Research
Greenification of SMEs
This report provides an investigation of existing competency frameworks for green skills in order to identify a framework suited to SMEs. We found current frameworks typically focus on new workforce training and large-enterprise models, and lack consideration of Canadian-specific regulations, smaller organization structures and accessible technical skills.