How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

July 14, 2025

The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from the Throne, the government committed to building an industrial strategy that tackles climate change while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the skilled trades. This marks a unique opportunity to shape the country’s workforce development in ways that support both economic prosperity and meaningful progress towards our climate goals. 

A new report from the Pembina Institute, Recruit, Train, Retain, outlines practical steps the federal government can take to prepare Canadians for careers in a clean energy economy. It calls for stronger training systems, improved coordination between industry and education, and a sharper focus on aligning skills development with labour market needs.  

With significant changes already underway in both the labour market and policy landscape, this is a critical moment to guide the future of Canada’s workforce development efforts.  

The report reviews workforce development efforts in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario to identify best practices that connect workers with emerging job opportunities in low-carbon industries. It highlights where progress has been made and where gaps remain, particularly when it comes to aligning training with labour market needs. Drawing from lessons from Canada’s healthcare and technology sectors, the report shows that targeted, region- and sector-specific strategies are key to scaling up the workforce.  

With the right policies in place, Canada can build a workforce that is not only ready for the low-carbon transition but positioned to benefit from it. Recruit, Train, Retain offers timely insights to help the federal government support both workers and employers in a rapidly changing energy and employment landscape.  

The report recommends that the Government of Canada:  

• Strategically invest in regional and sectoral workforce development programs that convene stakeholders and align with economic goals.
• Support youth in career decision-making, especially around skilled trades and emerging low-carbon sectors.  
• Develop shared-cost training programs tailored to specific industries, with strong support from partners.  
• Address labour market needs holistically from readiness and education to recruitment, retention and long-term career development.  
• Improve work standards to attract and retain talent in low-carbon sectors.
• Align industrial and workforce strategies to ensure training and hiring support long-term economic and environmental goals.  

Go HERE to download the report