EHRC Project to Identify Impact of Technology and Innovation and Explore Gender Diversity in Leadership Roles

Aug 2, 2018

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) has received funding for a new project that will explore the transformational impact of technology, digitalization and innovation on the changing nature of work in the sector.

The labour market data gathered during the research will examine current occupations or job functions facing change or requiring re-skilling or up-skilling, as well as entirely emerging occupations that will require specialized skills. The project will also collect labour market data on women in leadership occupations and positions in the sector to inform evidence-based policymaking, HR strategy and programming for greater integration of women in these roles. In the electricity sector women still represent only a quarter of the workforce despite best efforts to tap into, develop, advance and retain this group.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’ Sectoral Initiative Program.

“When Canadians know that they’ll have the tools they need to embrace the challenges and opportunities that innovation and new technology bring, we can create the kind of sustained long-term economic growth that works for everyone,” says Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “Canada’s changing economy makes harnessing the changing nature of work critical to our future.”

“The accelerated pace of change in our sector, including advancements in technology and innovation will also have a huge impact on our workforce,” says EHRC CEO Michelle Branigan. “We need to anticipate what those impacts will be so employers, employees and job seekers alike can respond to the changing structure of the sector and future job opportunities. It will also enable us to support the greater participation and advancement of women into technical and leadership roles within the sector.

This project supports the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiative program’s goal to address current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market information.