Pandemic Issues

June 6, 2021 — The Globe and Mail, written by Pedro Barata, Wendy Cukier and Andrew Parkin

June 2, 2021 — Toronto Star, written by Raisa Patel

FSC Advisory Board member Kory Wilson discusses the impact of the pandemic on the Indigenous workforce and makes recommendations for how to include Indigenous peoples in the economic recovery from COVID-19.

By combining preliminary data from an ongoing survey of SMEs, associated focus group discussions, and existing research, this report highlights opportunities to better support SMEs in the pandemic recovery and after. This includes a specific focus on embracing diversity and inclusion as a key way of addressing their skills needs.

To be successful, Canada’s skills strategies must address skills for innovation across sectors from solo entrepreneurs, to small and medium-sized businesses, to large corporations – and even within government itself.

Canada’s post-secondary institutions are well positioned for the future, thanks to innovative approaches and a willingness to use technological advances in education. COVID-19 has challenged these institutions, but they have showed adaptability under pressure by accelerating their adoption of innovations. However, some challenges predate the pandemic such as better inclusion of equity-seeking groups in higher education. Better funding models and greater flexibility can build greater resilience and agility into the system while addressing long-standing challenges and inequities

The second wave of the Survey on Employment and Skills was conducted in late 2020, as the pandemic’s second wave gathered momentum in Canada and the number of new COVID-19 cases steadily increased.

A one-size-fits-all approach to pandemic recovery will not work. Programs tailored to the specific needs of specific groups will be important for a strong recovery, as will equitable access to critical supports, such as the infrastructure needed to overcome the digital divide. Businesses, governments and employees must all commit to reskilling — particularly when it comes to those from diverse groups who face barriers and bias — to develop an effective and inclusive skills and employment ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

Toronto, May 17, 2021 – The workers hardest hit by job loss or a reduction in work hours during the pandemic were already among the most vulnerable members of the workforce, according to a new Environics Institute survey that shows COVID-19’s polarizing impact on employment and earnings.