The Government of Canada is focused on growing a thriving economy, supporting the creation of good jobs and building prosperous communities as our country moves toward a low-carbon future. To deliver on these priorities, we need a road map that plans for the future of Canadians in all regions of the country – with ongoing input from Canadian workers, communities, all levels of government, Indigenous Peoples, and businesses.
Sustainable Jobs Action Plans
The 2023–2025 interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, laid out the initial framework for the Government of Canada's approach to advancing the creation of sustainable jobs and driving clean growth. The plan includes federal leadership in 10 key action areas:
- Establish the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat
- Create a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council
- Develop economic strategies through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables
- Introduce a sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program
- Advance funding for skills development toward sustainable jobs
- Promote Indigenous-led solutions and a National Benefits-Sharing Framework
- Improve labour market data collection, tracking and analysis
- Motivate investors and draw in industry leadership to support workers
- Collaborate and lead on the global stage
- Establish legislation that ensures ongoing engagement and accountability
Following the interim plan, the Government of Canada will publish an Action Plan every five years, beginning in 2025, laying out how it will support workers and communities to benefit economically from the shift to a low-carbon world.
Each Action Plan will:
- Outline government actions to promote economic growth, sustainable job creation, and support for workers and communities
- Specify measures to be implemented by federal ministers in support of the plan
- Summarize existing data on economic growth and job creation in the low-carbon economy
- Report on progress made to date
These Sustainable Jobs Action Plans will be informed by Canada’s complementary plans for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, as required under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. This comprehensive and balanced approach will ensure that Canada is lowering its emissions while putting in place measures that help grow the economy and help workers and communities thrive.
Accountability and reporting
The first Sustainable Jobs Action Plan must be released no later than December 31, 2025, with future Action Plans published every five years thereafter. In addition, progress reports must be released at the midway point of each Action Plan cycle. This means the first progress report is due no later than June 1, 2028.
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2030 Action Plan
Due by December 31, 2025
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Progress Report on 2030 Action Plan
Due by June 1, 2028
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2035 Action Plan
Due by December 31, 2030
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2040 Action Plan
Due by December 31, 2035
The requirement to publish Sustainable Jobs Action Plans and accompanying progress reports is included in the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act. Through this legislation, the Government of Canada is publicly accountable for taking action to promote sustainable jobs, providing information on data and initiatives, and regularly reporting on its progress to Canadians.
Consultation and engagement
Consultation and engagement with Canadians, partners, and key stakeholders is a critical element in the development of each Action Plan. This work is guided through bringing government, industry and labour organizations together to consider the views of Canadians and discuss the best actions to take. There are several pathways through which consultation and engagement on sustainable jobs will be carried out.
The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, which is also established by legislation, will engage with Canadians across the country and provide independent advice to support the development of Action Plans.
Provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and key stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, labour, and industry, will also have the opportunity to provide submissions directly to the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat through a consultation process.
In addition, the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat undertakes ongoing engagement with key partners and stakeholders to inform its work, including on the Action Plans.