OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- As Canada modernizes its energy systems and expands electricity generation capacity, its labour market continues to face uncertainties driven by tariffs, skills shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological advancements. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to bolster vital industries and enhance workforce development in the energy and electricity sector for a sustainable and independent future.
In alignment with this commitment, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, announced today the launch of the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance – the fourth Workforce Alliance in a series of Government of Canada efforts towards establishing strong partnerships across key sectors. This includes working collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments.
The new Energy and Electricity Alliance will bring together respected leaders and experts known for their work in the sector, including employers, workers, educators and Indigenous partners, to help build the skilled workforce needed to support energy development, grid modernization, and a more productive energy and electricity sector.
Canada's energy and electricity sector, which includes oil, gas, and electricity, plays a pivotal role in supporting the growing demand for electrification and clean energy sources. As a result, substantial investments in generation, transmission, and grid modernization are increasingly necessary. Addressing skills mismatches in certain energy occupations, as well as notable shortages in other critical occupations such as heavy-duty mechanics and industrial technicians, will be essential to take advantage of significant growth opportunities in liquefied natural gas and various clean energy technologies, including hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear power.
The Energy and Electricity Alliance will be led by the Electricity Human Resources Canada, with support from the Energy Council of Canada, and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. Together, these organizations will work to strategically identify and address pressing labour market challenges and align investments and activities at all levels to support skills development. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including employers, labour representatives, training institutions, Indigenous partners, industry associations, and equity-deserving groups, the Alliance will promote sector-specific workforce solutions and build sustainable talent pipelines that meet both current and future needs.
Drawing on their experience and expertise in current labour market data affecting the energy and electricity workforce, this Alliance will inform evidence-based approaches and initiatives that recognize the importance of workforce strategies for reskilling, regional labor mobility, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy systems.
This critical work will advance Canada's broader economic objectives and ensure the sector has access to a skilled, mobile, diverse and future-ready workforce capable of supporting long-term sector resilience and growth.
Quotes
"Today's launch of the new Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance is a crucial step toward securing Canada's energy future. Building a strong workforce requires the voices of those closest to workers, employers, educators and Indigenous partners. This new Alliance will bring those voices to the forefront to help ensure Canada's electricity and energy sector has the skilled workforce it needs for the future."
– The Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
"Amidst global volatility and growing power demand, Canada is taking action to strengthen our position as an energy superpower. The Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance is a key part of that, bringing together partners to make sure Canadian workers have the right skills and support workforce development across the energy sector. By investing in our workforce today, we are preparing to build the energy systems and economy of tomorrow."
– The Honorable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"Canada's energy strength is built on its resource endowment and the expertise of a highly skilled workforce across the sector. From conventional energy to emerging technologies, Canadian energy companies play an important role in providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy choices while adapting to changing markets, new technologies and major project demands. Energy Council of Canada is pleased to be a part of the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance to help ensure Canada can anticipate workforce challenges, identify practical solutions and take timely action to support the people and skills needed for sector's continued success."
– Howard Shearer, Chair, Energy Council of Canada
"This investment is a significant step toward building the workforce that Canada's energy future demands. As our sector is transformed by new technologies, digital innovation and major infrastructure development, success will depend on collaboration, coordination and a shared commitment to workforce planning. Through the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance, EHRC will bring partners together to strengthen workforce planning and develop the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth, critical infrastructure and a resilient energy future. We are proud to lead this effort and help position Canada's workforce to seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving sector."
-- Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)
"Electricity demand in Canada is set to grow rapidly as industries electrify and the economy digitizes. Wind, solar and energy storage are the fastest and most affordable ways to meet that demand while modernizing the grid. However, none of this happens without skilled workers. That's why CanREA is proud to work with partners in the Energy and Electricity Workforce Alliance to help build the workforce Canada needs."
– Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
Quick Facts
- On September 5, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a series of new workforce support measures aimed at assisting Canadian workers impacted by tariffs, revitalizing local economies and mitigating the long-term effects of job loss due to tariffs. Echoed in Budget 2025, the Workforce Alliances were announced as part of these measures to address skills gaps in industries facing labour shortages.
- The Energy and Electricity Alliance will focus on ensuring we have the workforce necessary to meet clean energy and power needs. It will include employers, unions, industry groups, post-secondary educational institutions and Indigenous partners related to conventional energy and clean electricity generation, transmission, and grid modernization.
- This sector is central to Canada's energy needs and economic security, requiring workforce strategies for reskilling, regional labour mobility, and adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and renewable systems.
- Key Facts:
- Canada's energy sector, including oil, gas, and electricity, contributed $232 billion to the GDP and employed 316,200 workers in 2024.
- Clean Energy Canada estimates 2.2 million new jobs in the sector by 2050, growing at 7% annually. Major investments in generation, transmission, and grid modernization will be needed to meet rising demand from electrification.
- While most energy occupations are balanced, shortages exist in roles like heavy-duty mechanics and industrial technicians. Growth opportunities exist in liquefied natural gas and clean energy (hydro, wind, solar, nuclear).
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Associated Links
- Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries | Prime Minister of Canada
- Minister Hajdu announces actions to grow and protect workers
- Powering Canada's Future: A Clean Electricity Strategy
- Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy
- Minister Hajdu establishes the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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