September 19, 2023 Calgary, Alberta Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada’s green economy is growing, offering vast opportunities for workers. As Canada progresses toward a net-zero emissions economy, we must support workers by providing them with essential training and expertise so they can seize new opportunities and lead Canada to a more sustainable future.
Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced $32.4 million in funding to two Calgary-based organizations that are helping to create more training and career opportunities in the green economy. This funding is provided through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) and is expected to support 2,025 Canadians and benefit approximately 1,150 employers across the country. The Minister made the announcement while visiting Energy Safety Canada.
Energy Safety Canada is receiving $14.8 million to deliver its Building a Workforce for Canada’s Energy Future project. This project will offer micro-credential programs and training focused on greenhouse gas emissions, corporate governance and best practices for engaging Indigenous peoples in the energy sector. Through targeted training, tools, upskilling programs and career resources, participants will learn how to apply leading sustainability practices, safely and efficiently. The project will also offer targeted wraparound supports to strengthen diversity and inclusion in Canada’s energy industry.
Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada) is receiving $17.6 million through the SWSP to help implement its Unlocking Canada’s Green Potential: Diverse Talent to Accelerate Clean Economic Growth project. This innovative project will help develop national occupational standards for the environmental sector through leading labour market research. It will also deliver a series of online tools, training and leadership courses, micro-credentials, certification, mentorship opportunities, and wage subsidies to facilitate the upward mobility of workers across Canada. The project will offer wraparound supports to help participants overcome barriers to building their careers in the green economy.
Today’s announcement is part of the larger national Green Economy Stream under the SWSP. With these additional projects, the total investment in SWSP green economy projects reaches $143.8 million, across nine organizations. Overall, these nine projects are expected to support over 24,000 Canadians and benefit approximately 2,100 employers across Canada. This announcement supports the Government’s ongoing actions to grow Canada’s economy, create good jobs and invest in Canada’s green economy as announced in Budget 2023. It also aligns with Canada’s recently introduced interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023–2025 to guide efforts to support the move to a net-zero emissions economy.
