Canada’s sustainable jobs approach reflects the federal government’s commitment to supporting Canadian workers and their communities in the shift to a low-carbon economy and helping to foster the creation of well-paying, high-quality jobs.
To get there, the federal approach is guided by the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which was passed in 2024 and positions the federal government to be more effective in advancing these objectives through the creation of a framework of governance, accountability and engagement, putting the needs of workers and communities at the centre of federal policy and decision-making.
Building the foundation
All these efforts were informed by a comprehensive consultation process with key partners and stakeholders, as well as the broader Canadian public, in 2021 and 2022. This engagement, in turn, led to the release of the Government of Canada’s interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February 2023. The interim plan lays out 10 key action areas within federal jurisdiction to ensure a worker-centred approach to Canada’s low-carbon future. Among the action areas identified was a commitment to pass the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, as well as measures to accelerate Canada’s most promising opportunities in a low-carbon economy and prepare workers with the skills and expertise they need to succeed in a net-zero emissions world.
Canada’s sustainable jobs approach also builds on the federal government’s initial actions to support coal workers and communities as part of the phasing out of unabated coal-fired electricity by 2030.
- In 2018, the Government appointed a Just Transition Taskforce for Canadian Coal-Power Workers and Communities (JTTF). The JTTF provided a set of recommendations, delivered through a final report that was informed by its direct engagement with coal workers; coal communities; relevant stakeholder groups; and federal, provincial, and municipal government departments. The recommendations and engagement from the JTTF helped to inform Canada's approach to sustainable jobs and was reflected in the interim plan and legislation.
- In response to the task force’s recommendations, the Government has been supporting communities and workers by investing $185 million through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) and Canada Coal Transition Initiative Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF).
- These initiatives support skills development, economic diversification, and priority infrastructure projects to help communities adapt to a low-carbon economy in provinces affected by the phase-out.
- In 2022, the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development released the report “A Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy,” which also helped shape the Government of Canada’s approach to supporting sustainable jobs.
To learn more about Canada’s sustainable jobs approach, plans and legislation, click these links.
