September 2, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
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.
