Research + White Papers
Research
More Than Just Numbers Revisited: Women in Engineering
This report reviews progress for women in engineering and the gaps that remain, and draws upon research and best practices to advance an evidence-based action plan.
Research
Mentoring for Black Nurses—A Retrospective Study
The project explored the role of mentorship in pathways to nursing, including education, employment and advancement, and how anti-Black racism manifests for both internationally and Canadian-trained professionals.
Research
State of Black Economics Report: Insights on Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship
This report examines the challenges that Black Canadians face in economic advancement, specifically education, employment, leadership and entrepreneurship. It draws from the latest data and research in these areas, which show that experiences and challenges vary within the Black population based on gender, age, origin and disability.
Research
Food Sustainability in the North: Skills Challenges and Opportunities in Community Greenhouse Projects
Given the advancements of innovative technologies pertaining to agricultural practice and its evolving skills needs, this report reviews the current and future competencies needed for community-led greenhouse projects in Northern Indigenous communities to inform the future of training programs and initiatives.
Research
How AI is shaping the future of work
Artificial intelligence (AI) is destined to fundamentally alter work—redefining tasks, reducing demand for specific roles, and giving rise to entirely new roles. Unlike past technology automation waves that targeted routine physical tasks, AI extends into cognitive work—analyzing data, recognizing patterns, and drawing conclusions. This puts even high-skill jobs at risk of disruption, challenging long-held assumptions about their immunity to automation.
Research
Leveraging Government Data
Unlocking the power of data is foundational to a future-state skills ecosystem where public services are navigable, supportive, targeted, integrated and transparent.
Research
Learning from One Another: A Comparative Analysis of Labour Market Needs and Corresponding Skills in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut
Labour markets in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut are changing, but the pace and scale of that change are not well understood. This multi-year project provided a roadmap for governments, communities, and education and training providers to improve regional workforce readiness for existing and emerging opportunities.
Research
Skills for Productivity, Prosperity and Well-Being in Canada: A Canadian PIAAC Research Agenda
Canada is in the midst of a productivity and growth challenge. Part of the issue is skills. New PIAAC data released at the end of 2024 provides Canada with an opportunity to improve understanding of relationships among skills, productivity, prosperity and well-being, and to use that knowledge to design better policies and programs.
Research
Emissions Reduction and Demand for Skilled Trades
Canada’s push to meet its climate targets will reshape both the construction sector and the broader demand for skilled trades. If policies outlined in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) continue to take effect, demand for skilled trades in construction and supporting sectors (e.g., rail) will shift dramatically, driven by new sustainability standards, infrastructure priorities, and green technology advancements.