Powering Canada’s Electricity Future Requires a Skilled Workforce: EHRC Welcomes Federal Strategy

May 21, 2026

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) welcomes the Government of Canada’s release of Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy, recognizing it as a critical milestone in advancing a sustainable, reliable and competitive energy future.

As Canada sets an ambitious goal to double its electricity supply by 2050, EHRC underscores that success will depend not only on infrastructure and investment—but on people. Building, operating and sustaining an electrified economy will require a significant expansion of the skilled workforce, making talent the defining factor in whether Canada achieves its economic and climate objectives.

“The federal government’s strategy clearly acknowledges what EHRC and our industry partners have long emphasized: the electricity workforce is central to Canada’s success,” said Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC. “This is a nation-building effort, and it will require sustained, coordinated action to develop a workforce that is fully prepared, properly supported and positioned to deliver.”

EHRC’s labour market research estimates that growing demand could create up to 130,000 new jobs in the electricity sector by 2050. The national strategy echoes this reality, recognizing that without a sufficient supply of qualified workers, Canada risks project delays, increased costs and missed opportunities.

Canada’s electricity sector is entering a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance, while continued investments in hydropower, renewable energy, natural gas and transmission and distribution infrastructure are all critical to building a reliable and resilient electricity system. This growth is also shaping how the sector is perceived by the next generation—Canada’s young people increasingly see the electricity industry as a place of opportunity and purpose, at the forefront of addressing climate change and powering a sustainable future.

The strategy’s call for a comprehensive approach to workforce development is a significant and welcome step. EHRC applauds the federal government’s commitment to enabling policies and investments that support training, recruitment and retention—including initiatives such as Team Canada Strong, which aims to bring up to 100,000 new workers into Red Seal trades over the next five years. These programs will play a crucial role in reducing barriers to entry and strengthening employer participation across the sector.

At the same time, EHRC emphasizes that continued focus will be needed to ensure Canada’s workforce system can meet the scale of demand ahead.

“Encouraging more Canadians to pursue careers in the skilled trades is essential—but it is only part of the solution,” Branigan added. “We must now ensure the post-secondary system has the capacity to train and graduate these workers, and that apprenticeship pathways are fully supported from entry to certification.”

EHRC encourages the federal government to work in close collaboration with provinces and territories to address capacity pressures in colleges, technical institutes and training centers. Expanded seats, modernized training infrastructure and increased support for instructors and employers will all be necessary to translate interest into a qualified workforce.

“The scale and pace of electrification require a fully mobilized Canadian workforce,” said Branigan. “Building projects successfully will depend in large part on meaningful Indigenous participation as well, supported by strong community partnerships.”

EHRC also appreciates the federal government’s recognition of its labour market intelligence in the development of the strategy. As the trusted source of workforce data and insights for the electricity sector, EHRC will continue to support evidence-based decision-making and collaboration across industry, education and government.

“Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a modern, electrified economy,” Branigan concluded. “With the right workforce strategies in place, we can ensure Canadians benefit from a system that is not only sustainable and affordable but powered by a highly skilled and resilient workforce.”

EHRC looks forward to working with the Government of Canada and partners across the country to turn this strategy into action—powering Canada’s future with people at its core.

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