A national strategy for Canada is important to help move to a zero-carbon economy. They don’t want anyone being left behind! A report by CCPA (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) and ACW (Adapting Canadian Work) used census data to pinpoint the regions each province has that are currently relying on fossil fuel.
This information follows behind the federal government’s task force in 2018 for transition. The framework for the policy in various sectors was designed to help with transitioning based on productivity. Making the movement to clean options brings some wonderful incentives with it around Canada! Yet there are also some families that will face hardships due to this movement. Finding a way to change that is behind this incentive.
The study found the dependency on fossil fuel is very high, especially in Alberta. There are some high spots in British Columbia and Saskatchewan too. The strategy put in place is designed to offer support to workers that may lose a job due to the changes. Some of the funds are allocated to help train them for new jobs.
The government understands the importance of investing in this type of workforce development. They must have enough skilled employees to fill the jobs for the zero-carbon economy. It makes sense to train those that would be displaced by the change to step into one of these new roles. They don’t want to see economic hardships for communities either, and the government is working on plans to ensure their stability throughout this transition.
The policies implemented during the transition to a zero-carbon economy are essential for this to work. Plenty of research is underway to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. They need a solid plan and action steps to make it work out successfully.