In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we focus on Canada’s big build moment—when major infrastructure, industrial expansion, and nation‑building projects are converging with profound workforce pressures. Host Jeremy Strachan is joined by former Ontario Minister of Labour and Infrastructure Monte McNaughton to explore why apprenticeships, early pathways into the skilled trades, and labour mobility are essential as retirements accelerate and demand surges. We then hear from Mike Gordon, Director of Canadian Training of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, who unpacks why training quality, credential recognition, and national standards are critical to mobilizing a skilled workforce—without taking risky shortcuts. We close with Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, who makes the case for public colleges as the backbone of Canada’s skills ecosystem, and what it will take to deliver training at the speed, scale, and quality needed to prepare workers for an AI‑driven economy. 

Guests  

Monte McNaughton, Co-Chair, Future Skills Centre Resilient Workforce Working Table 

Mike Gordon, Director of Canadian Training, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters 

Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada 

Links 

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/ 

Future Skills Centre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fsc-ccf 

Future Skills Centre Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fsc-ccf.bsky.social 

Signal49 Research Homepage: https://www.signal49.ca/ 

Signal49 Research Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signal49Research 

Signal49 Research X: https://x.com/S49Research 

Future Skills Centre Resilient Workforce Working Table: https://fsc-ccf.ca/engage/resilient-workforce-working-table/ 

United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters: https://www.uacanada.ca/ 

Colleges and Institutes Canada: https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/ 

Signal49 Research, Building Under Pressure: Skilled Trades Shortages and Rising Construction Costs. Ottawa, Signal49 Research, November 24, 2025. 

Statistics Canada. Changes in the population of tradespeople between 2016 and 2021. Education, Learning and Training Research Paper Series, September 26, 2024.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/81-595-m/81-595-m2024002-eng.htm  

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we tee up the new season by diving into Canada’s hinge moment for talent, productivity, and resilience by revisiting some of the key themes from A Future Built on Skills. This one-day hybrid event from October 2025 brought together thought leaders in skills, training and workforce development. We’re joined by the Future Skills Centre’s Noel Baldwin in conversation with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, exploring an all‑hands‑on‑deck approach to workforce resilience—why soft skills, apprenticeships, and work‑integrated learning matter as major projects and trades demand surge. Then J.P. Giroux, President of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, takes us onto the factory floor to unpack how automation and AI are reshaping roles, why SMEs must treat training as strategy, and how a culture of continuous learning drives real productivity gains. We close with Professor Wendy Cukier, Academic Director and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, who makes the case for a national skills agenda centered on SMEs, inclusion (EDI), and scenario planning for AI, and what a blueprint for preparing Canada’s workforce for 2026 and beyond looks like.

Guests

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, Government of Canada

Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre

J.P. Giroux, President, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

Wendy Cukier, Academic Director and Founder, Diversity Institute

In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, new host Jeremy Strachan dives into highlights from the Magnet Network Live event held in Toronto in October 2024, where leaders gathered to address Canada’s talent, training, and skills challenges. The episode features insights on AI, productivity, and Canada’s “12/21 problem,” where outdated learning models fall short in a 21st-century workforce. 

Key discussions focus on the need for risk-taking in business, the importance of social and emotional skills, and the critical role of trust in the workplace. Strachan also explores immigration’s role in Canada’s future, barriers faced by international students, and the impact of the Future Skills Centre’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy through innovative partnerships and initiatives across Canada. 

Background 

On October 23 and 24, 2024, Magnet Network hosted a two-day networking and knowledge-sharing event in Toronto’s distillery district. Featuring an array of speakers who are thought leaders, policymakers, and visionary idea accelerators in the skills ecosystem in Canada, Magnet Network Live (MNL) was a key forum for stakeholders to meet and hear insights on the pressing issues related to training, workforce development, and productivity in Canada. 

Conference Board of Canada was there in two capacities. Michael Burt, VP, was featured in a session alongside Candice Faktor, CEO of Disco, in a “fireside chat to explore why businesses are holding back on critical investments and how innovative learning models can shift this dynamic.” Jeremy Strachan, SRA, attended to record live audio as content for this episode. Content interviews and ambient and atmospheric textures of the event.

Canada’s productivity puzzle remains unsolved, and a combination of skills waste, talent mismatch, and forecast labour shortages in key sectors like the skilled trades and the green economy are set to exacerbate our problems. MNL is one-of-a-kind event where attendees will hear from some of the best ideas on how to maximize our talent pool resources.

Guests

• Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre 
• Michael Burt, Vice President of Signal49 Research
• Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet 
• Emily Madden, Senior Director of Magnet 
• Ashok Kasilingam, CEO of M2M Tech 
• Erin Rose, Senior Research Associate, Signal49 Research

The Black population in Canada is expected to exceed 3 million by 2041. Despite growing awareness of the root causes of inequities faced by Black communities, we don’t yet have interventions at scale in the skills ecosystem. In this episode, our guests describe the importance of culturally relevant, targeted programing for supporting Black communities in Canada to thrive in education and employment.

Our guests envision a future where gaps in educational attainment and wages between black and non-black individuals are closed, and where anti-Black racism in our classrooms and workplaces is eradicated. They share successful components of workforce development programs, including social capital development, mentorship, socioemotional development, and community involvement.

Speakers:

• Kofi Hope, CEO and Co-Founder, Monumental
• André McDonald, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Research Initiatives and Performance, University of Alberta
• Mohamed Elmi, Executive Director, Diversity Institute
• Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)

We’ve heard the term “productivity” come up a lot lately. But what does the term really mean? And why does strong productivity matter for leaders, decision makers, and to Canadians at-large? Three experts join us in this episode to help us unpack this concept. They give us an overview of the economic concepts behind productivity, suggest solutions to help boost Canadian productivity, and explain why skills development and innovation are an important part of this conversation.  

Speaker list

• Jonathan Barr, Senior Director, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
• Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Signal49 Research
• Anne-Lore Fraikin, Senior Manager, Economic Research, Signal49 Research
• Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, Signal49 Research (host)

Links: 

• Skills and Productivity: Which Skills Shortages Are Impacting Canadian Productivity?—August 2024 - Signal49 Research
• Compétences et productivité : Quelles pénuries de compétences influent sur la productivité canadienne?—Août 2024 - Signal49 Research

The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. The transition to a clean economy demands significant changes in skills, occupations, and attitudes. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with developing higher education graduates who are equipped to lead and grow a sustainable economy. Our distinguished guests provide key employer, post-secondary, and international perspectives. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of higher education, employment, and a sustainable future. 

Speaker list

• Kevin Nilsen, President & CEO, ECO Canada
• Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability, York University 
• Tanzeela Faisal, Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
• Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)

Links

Teaching Green Skills: What Actions Are Post-secondary Institutions Taking? - Signal49 Research

In this episode, we delve into the implications of the AI revolution for teaching and learning within Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Join us as we speak with a researcher, an AI sector leader, and a university Chief AI Officer to uncover how this technology is reshaping education. From real-world applications to ethical considerations, we explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) into the classroom, offering insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.

Speaker list

• Melissa Judd, Vice-President, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships, Vector Institute
• Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer, Western University
• Adam Vanzella Yang, Senior Research Associate, Signal49 Research
• Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)

Links

• Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/
• Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_en
• Signal49 Research Homepage: Research - Signal49 Research
• Signal49 Research X: https://x.com/S49Research

350,000 Indigenous youth are set to come of age by 2026, offering unique contributions as they enter the workforce. Discover the multifaceted impacts of Indigenous youth on the labour market as two distinguished experts delve into this topic. In this episode, they explore the challenges, opportunities, and incredible value that Indigenous youth bring to the modern job market and how companies can advance inclusive environments that honor and integrate Indigenous traditions, thereby empowering young Indigenous employees to bring their authentic selves to work. We also learn about some of the collaborative approaches between employers, educational institutions, and Indigenous communities to bridge the gap and foster increased opportunities for Indigenous youth. 

 Guests: 

• Michael DeGagné, President & CEO, Indspire
• Kory Wilson, Executive Director Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT

 Host:

• Julie Cafley, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada

Neurodiversity is a range of different ways of thinking, interacting, and processing information, and is especially important to the future of work. In this episode, experts in neurodiversity in the workplace join us to discuss the immense potential of neurodiverse individuals in professional settings. Our guests share practical strategies and valuable insights for employers looking to create supportive environments for neurodiverse employees - from implementing accommodations for all to fostering inclusive company cultures. 

Guests: 

• Neil Barnett, Director - Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft
• Radha MacCulloch, VP and Head of Canada, Specialisterne North America

Host:

• Julie Cafley, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada

En 2020, les femmes représentaient seulement 16,8 % des propriétaires majoritaires de petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Dans cet épisode, nous examinons l’expérience des femmes en entrepreneuriat, les obstacles à leur participation et la récente hausse du nombre d’entreprises fondées par des femmes. Nos invitées occupent des fonctions dirigeantes, l’une chez un gros pourvoyeur d’emplois et l’autre au sein d’une organisation qui aide les femmes entrepreneures et les réseaux qui les soutiennent à entrer en contact et à collaborer facilement. Elles nous racontent leur expérience personnelle et professionnelle, parlent des possibilités et des obstacles, et discutent des occasions de formation pour les femmes entrepreneures d’aujourd’hui et de demain, partout au Canada.
 
 Invités

1. Salwa Salek, cheffe Équité, diversité et inclusion, Desjardins
2. Sabine Soumare, directrice générale, Portail de connaissances pour les femmes en entrepreneuriat (PCFE)

Hôte

Julie Cafley, directrice générale, Catalyst Canada 

En 2022, le Canada a accueilli un nombre record de nouveaux arrivants : plus de 431 000, qui sont devenus des résidents permanents. Dans cet épisode, nous explorerons la question de l’intégration économique et professionnelle de ces personnes au Canada, principalement dans le contexte du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Nos invités sont des personnalités connues qui travaillent, l’un pour un gros employeur de la région, l’autre pour une organisation dont la mission est d’aider les nouveaux arrivants à participer pleinement à la société néo-brunswickoise. Ils parleront de leurs expériences personnelles et professionnelles, en plus d’offrir leurs éclairages et de faire des suggestions aux collectivités, aux employeurs et à l’écosystème des compétences du Canada tout entier. 

Invités 

• Jason Limongelli, vice-président de la Division Woodlands de J.D. Irving, Inc.
• Moncef Lakouas, président du Conseil culturel du Nouveau-Brunswick 

Hôte

• Julie Cafley, directrice générale, Catalyst Canada

Il y a plus de gens qui travaillent qu’avant la pandémie, mais la demande de main-d’œuvre demeure supérieure à l’offre. Dans cet épisode, nos invités font part de leurs points de vue sur le contexte économique entourant ces pénuries et leurs conséquences pour les entreprises canadiennes. Nous discutons de ce que cela signifie pour les responsables en matière de compétences, les employeurs et les travailleurs.

Invités :

-          Pedro Antunes, économiste en chef, Le Conference Board du Canada

-          Geneviève Bich, vice-présidente, Ressources humaines, Metro inc.

Liens :

Page d’accueil du Centre des Compétences futures : https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Page Twitter du Centre des Compétences futures : https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_fr

Page d’accueil du Signal49 Research : Home - Signal49 Research

Page LinkedIn du Signal49 Research: https://linkedin.com/company/signal49-research

This is Jeremy Strachan, your host of the Future Skills Podcast, brought to you by the Future Skills Centre. You may have noticed that The Conference Board of Canada's changed it's name. We’re now Signal49 Research. This new name reflects a guiding signal in times of uncertainty; a dependable beacon that leaders can rely on to navigate complexity. Inspired by Signal Hill in Newfoundland and Labrador, and with a nod to Canada and the 49th parallel, it embraces the spirit of innovation and anchors us in a distinctly Canadian point of view. Learn more about what our new name means at signal49.ca.

 Meanwhile, stay tuned for Season 6 of the Future Skills Podcast, with new episodes coming this spring and summer where we explore what matters most to Canadians when it comes to skills, training, and the ever-changing world of work.

Technological change is affecting every sector, and these changes shift the roles and the skills in demand. Our guests share their perspectives on what needs to happen to ensure Canada has the skilled talent it needs to take full advantage of the growing digital economy. We hear about two rapid training initiatives that seek to help their learners transition mid-career to jobs in the digital economy.

Speakers

Guests

Namir Anani, President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)

Rushmi Hasham, Director, Development and Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Programs, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

Nathalie Sanon, Head, Training Program, IVADO

Host

Linda Nazareth

Links

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Future Skills Centre on X: Future Skills Centre (@fsc_ccf_en) / X

Signal49  Homepage https://www.signal49.ca/future-skills-centre/

ICTC-CTIC: https://www.ictc-ctic.ca/

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: https://www.cybersecurecatalyst.ca/ 

IVADO https://ivado.ca/ 

In the face of the climate crisis, shifting to more carbon-neutral economic activities is a necessity. The growth of this clean economy can also be an opportunity – for individuals to have in-demand and meaningful careers, and for Canada to become a global leader in this area. In this episode, we hear from three Canadian organizations. Our guests tell us about the growing clean technology and blue economy sectors, and about the skills needed in these sectors, and share their insights on what needs to happen to support the development of a strong workforce in the clean economy.

Guests

Darren Gresch, Senior Research Associate, Innovation and Technology, Conference Board of Canada

Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

Yogendra Chaudhry, Vice-President of Professional Services, ECO Canada

Host

Linda Nazareth

Episode Links:

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Future Skills Centre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fsc-ccf/

Singal49 Research Homepage: Home - Signal49 Research

Signal49 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/signal49-research

ECO Canada https://eco.ca/

Foresight Canada https://foresightcac.com/ 

OpportuNext https://www.opportunext.ca/ 

Microcredentials are a recognition of learning, assessing specific competencies and addressing employer needs. In this episode, we discuss the rise of microcredentials, their potential, and ongoing challenges such as coordination across Canada and assessment quality. Our guests provide perspectives from industry and from post-secondary education and include Emma Gooch from eCampusOntario, Kerri Korabelnikov from Red River College Polytechnic, and Theresa Davis-Woodhouse from the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace. 

Speakers

Guests

Emma Gooch, Program Manager, Microcredentials, eCampusOntario
Kerri Korabelnikov, Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, Red River College Polytechnic
Theresa Davis-Woodhouse, Director of Project Management, Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace

Host

Linda Nazareth

Links

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/
Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_en
Signal49 Research Homepage: Home - Signal49 Research
Signal49 Research LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/signal49-research
Research report: The Future is Micro: Digital learning and microcredentials for education, retraining, and lifelong learning https://fsc-ccf.ca/research/micro-credentials-for-retraining-and-lifelong-learning/
FSC Project: Materials handling 4.0: Building pathways to employment for disadvantaged groups  https://fsc-ccf.ca/projects/material-handling-4-0-building-pathways-to-employment-for-disadvantaged-groups/
FSC Project: Aiming higher: Microcredential training in aviation and aerospace https://fsc-ccf.ca/projects/aviation-aerospace/
eCampusOntario: Microcredentials https://micro.ecampusontario.ca/
eCampusOntario  https://www.ecampusontario.ca/ 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the Canadian economy and the workplace of many Canadians. But these businesses face steep difficulties in the coming years as COVID-19 government supports end. How can SMEs tackle challenges, such as skill and labour shortages, to flourish as businesses and employers?

In this episode we speak to three guests about the economic trends and opportunities facing SMEs in their region, from remote-first small businesses to new jobs in the green economy. They discuss the skills, roles, and supports needed to take advantage of these opportunities.

Speakers

Guests

Jason Rasevych, Partner, National Indigenous Client Services Lead, Deloitte Canada; President, Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
Dorinda So, Executive Director, pointA
Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Host
Linda Nazareth

Links

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_en

Signal49 Research Homepage: Home - Signal49 Research

Signal49 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/signal49-research

pointA https://pointa.ca/

Halifax Chamber of Commerce https://halifaxchamber.com/ 

Anishnawbe Business Professional Association https://www.anishnawbebusiness.com/ 

Restaurants, hotels, and attractions across Canada are an important place of work, particularly for youth, students, and newcomers to Canada. But with cycles of closures and layoffs, health and safety concerns, and new enforcement requirements due to COVID-19, there has been an exodus of workers from the hospitality and tourism industry. How are businesses rethinking their hiring, training, and compensation practices to adapt and recover?

This episode explores issues of workforce development and business strategy in the hospitality and tourism industry, in conversation with Krista Bax from go2HR and Adam Morrison from OTEC. We also hear firsthand from a business about their experiences. 

Guests

Matt Pearson, Director, Human Resources, Living Waters Resorts 

Adam Morrison, President and CEO, Ontario Tourism & Education Council (OTEC)

Krista Bax, CEO, go2HR

Host

Linda Nazareth

Links
Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/ 

Future Skills Centre LinkedIn: (16) Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures: Overview | LinkedIn

Signal49 Research Homepage: Home - Signal49 Research

Signal49 Research LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/signal49-research

OTEC: https://otec.org/

Go2HR: https://www.go2hr.ca/ 

We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. 

We know that COVID-19 has had disproportionate economic impacts on certain groups, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada. We are experiencing an undesirable “K-shaped recovery” where certain individuals and sectors recover more quickly than others. 

This episode highlights key challenges facing certain groups—such as Indigenous students and youth more broadly—when it comes to education and employment during the pandemic. We make the case for a more inclusive skills training strategy, that give all workers the skills to navigate a changing economy (and provides businesses the workers with the skills to help them adapt to future technological changes and economic shocks). 

Kory Wilson from BCIT, and Chris Duff and Erick Pelayo Aubert from the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity join us to share their perspectives. 

 Links

Recovery for All: Finding Equities in Education and Employment: 

https://www.signal49.ca/future-skills-centre/research/

Hire Next Tool: https://fsc-ccf.ca/projects/youth-jobs-ai/ 

Indigenous ICT Development Centre: https://fsc-ccf.ca/projects/indigenous-ict-development-centre/ 

Future Skills Centre: https://fsc-ccf.ca/ 

 Guests

Kory Wilson – Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT

Chris Duff – Executive Lead, Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity (CCYP)

Erick Pelayo Aubert – Undergraduate student and Coordinator, CCYP

Host

Linda Nazareth

The nature of jobs is changing, with the growth of the gig economy and more work in all fields being tasked to contract workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. These independent workers lack the social support net that full-time employees benefit from. What are some ways to bridge the “support gap” and ensure that people don’t fall between the cracks in these precarious job markets?

In our final episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss this question and more with Armine Yalnizyan (Atkinson Fellow).

Learn more

• Old Gigs, New Gigs (Paper Authored by Carole Piovesan)

Transcripts

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

Canada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of its rates of postsecondary education attainment as well as annual spending per postsecondary student. While a majority of education providers believe that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce, a much lower proportion of students and employers share that belief.

This points to a disconnect between the education and work worlds, one that could be bridged by incorporating real-world or experiential work into students’ education. The Business + Higher Education Roundtable aims to do just that, by ensuring that 100% of Canadian postsecondary students participate in a form of work-integrated learning before graduation. In our fifth episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Valerie Walker (Business Higher + Education Roundtable) to address some of these issues.

Learn more

• Business Higher Education Roundtable
• Are Canada’s Business Schools Teaching Social and Emotional Skills? (Paper Authored by Matthew McKean) 

Transcripts

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

Reskilling and upskilling are now imperative for both employees and organizations to keep pace with the digital and technological innovations that are changing the way we work. This is creating a new echelon of positions—those that require brand new skills and those that require an enhanced skillset.

Investing in reskilling and upskilling is critical at the organizational and individual level to ensure mutual preparedness and success in the new technology-driven world. But how can governments, organizations, and workers work together to ensure the right supports are being provided to those who need them most? In our fourth episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Glenda Quintini (OECD), Sashya D’Souza (Toronto Finance International), and Karn Singh (Cognizant) to answer some of these questions.

Learn more

• Automation, Skills Use and Training 
  (OECD Paper Co-Authored by Glenda Quintini)
• Why Returning to Toronto to Work in Financial Services Should Be Your Next Move (Toronto Finance International Blog Authored by Sashya D’Souza)
• https://www.opportunext.ca/

Transcripts

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

Apprenticeships get a bad rap. All too often, we perpetuate negative images of the trades: dirty, low pay, and boring. These stereotypes couldn’t be further from the reality of work—young people who pursue an apprentice-able trade should expect intellectually stimulating work, increasingly diverse workplaces, and significant opportunity for financial reward.

The knowledge and skills of our construction, manufacturing, automotive, and food service tradespeople can help support Canada’s transition to a more prosperous and sustainable future, but they will need resilience and teamwork to adapt to workplaces that are more efficient, automated, and digitally connected.

What emerging skills will tradespeople require to adapt to future work trends? How are emerging technologies changing what and how apprentices learn? Will traditional physical labour become a thing of the past, replaced by a need for digital, green, and social and emotional skills? In our third episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss these questions with Andrew Bieler (The Conference Board of Canada), Jeff Ranson (Canada Green Building Council – GTA), and Jim Szautner (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology).

Learn more

• Apprenticeships and “Future of Work” (Authored by Erica Smith)
• Interview with Jim Szautner

Transcripts

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the complex and evolving landscape of skills development and workforce training in Northern and Indigenous communities. Amanda Thompson from Signal49 Research shares insights from the Learning from One Another project, a multi-year initiative examining labour market trends and training strategies across Yukon, Nunavut, and Northern Ontario. We also hear from Kris Mullaly of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, who discusses the Q-STEP program and Tuttarvik—community-driven initiatives that are empowering Inuit youth through culturally grounded training and employment supports. Finally, Xina Cowan of EntrepreNorth highlights how entrepreneurship is creating new pathways for economic resilience and self-determination across the North.

Guests

Amanda Thompson, Lead Research Associate, Signal49 Research

Kris Mullaly, Program Manager, Qikiqtani Inuit Association

Xina Cowan, Co-Director, EntrepreNorth

Driven by an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, the Future Skills Centre recognizes the competitive advantage that comes from fostering innovative solutions which address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, newcomers, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Indigenous, rural, remote, and northern communities.

Through authentic engagement with grassroots organizations and diverse communities across Canada, as well as the use of a strength-based and asset-focused perspective, knowledge and solutions are needed that shift the focus from just “fixing” job seekers to eroding systemic barriers to change our institutions, helping us build a more inclusive and equitable labour market. In our second episode of Season One of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Maya Roy (YWCA), Ed Ng (Bucknell University), and Jordan Wapass (The Conference Board of Canada) to take on some of these issues.

Further reading:

• All on Board (Women on Boards Online Experience Co-Authored by Maria Giammarco
• Employment Gaps and Underemployment for Racialized Groups (Paper Co-Authored by Eddy Ng)
• Addressing the Causes of Indigenous Vulnerability to Pandemics—not Just the Symptoms (Blog Post Co-Authored by Jordan Wapass)

Transcripts:

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

We’ve all heard it before: Technology is disrupting the world of work, eliminating “low skill” jobs and harming the future of the trades. Daunting? Sure. But there’s also growing demand for a specific type of worker. One with the ability to problem solve, lead, collaborate, communicate, and adapt to the ever-evolving world of work. In other words, there is a growing demand for strong social and emotional skills. The problem is, there is a gap between the demand for these skills and the skills Canadians acquire through education and training.

So, what exactly are these social and emotional skills? Why are they needed and why are we behind? What are our post-secondary systems doing to prepare future employees, and how do we ensure Canadians can “keep up” with changing demands throughout their careers? In our first episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we start to answer these questions through conversations with Paul Brinkhurst (Futureworx) and Jennifer Adams (OECD).

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Transcripts

• English
• Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en télécharger la transcription en français

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FSC—The Future is Social and Emotional (Online Experience):
https://www.signal49.ca/research/the-future-is-social-and-emotional

FSC—The Future is Social and Emotional (Impact Paper):
SES in the Workplace: Insights From Canadian Employers - Signal49 Research

The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Hiring Demand for Social and Emotional Skills - Signal49 Research

Karanga (Jennifer Adams is Chair):
https://karanga.org/

Futureworx (Paul Brinkhurst’s Organization):
https://futureworx.ca/

A podcast exploring some of the most crucial emerging challenges to the future of work, presented by The Conference Board of Canada.

Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en lire la transcription en français. 

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores how self-employment and entrepreneurship can serve as powerful pathways for neurodivergent Canadians to thrive in the workforce. Jennifer Fane from Signal49 Research discusses her Future Skills Centre-funded research on barriers facing neurodivergent entrepreneurs and the need for tailored support programs; Wanda Deschamps, founder of Liberty Co. and openly autistic entrepreneur, shares her perspective on shifting the narrative from accommodations to strengths and the importance of neuroinclusion in business; and Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada, reveals how “dyslexic thinking” has fueled his serial entrepreneurship success, from building North America’s largest wrapping paper business to creating innovative educational platforms. 

Guests

Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate, Signal49 Research

Wanda Deschamps, Founder and Principal, Liberty Co.

Brad Loiselle, CEO and Founder, Skills Council of Canada

Links:

https://www.signal49.ca/product/neurodivergent-self-employment-resources_mar2026/

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Canadian workforce. With insights from experts Noel Baldwin, Stephanie Enders, and Mark Patterson, we hear how Future Skills Centre research is helping us better understand the way AI is reshaping job markets, skills development, and employment strategies. The conversation tackles critical challenges like AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discover how workers and businesses can leverage AI to enhance human skills, improve productivity, and navigate the future of work.

Guests

Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre

Stephanie Enders, Chief Delivery Officer, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)

Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan dives into the critical topic of leveraging the skills of newcomers to Canada and its impact on economic and social success. Joined by Tricia Williams from the Future Skills Centre, Sharon McLennon from the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, and Shamira Madhany from World Education Services, the discussion explores how Future Skills Centre-funded initiatives have shed light on newcomer retention and workforce integration. 

The episode highlights barriers such as credential recognition, workplace bias, and lack of professional networks while emphasizing solutions like targeted upskilling, wraparound supports, and cultural competency training. With insights into workforce development across Canada, this episode underscores how effectively integrating skilled immigrants is key to addressing labor shortages and boosting economic resilience.

Guests

Tricia Williams, PhD, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization, Future Skills Centre

Sharon McLennon, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre

Shamira Madhany, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services

What defines quality of work in today’s economy? In this episode, host Jeremy Strachan speaks with Laura McDonough from the Future Skills Centre and Dr. Olga Morawczynski from Heal-3 to explore how wages, job security, mental health, and workplace culture impact our experience at work. They discuss how research from the Future Skills Centre has shed insights on the evolving expectations of workers, the role of leadership in job satisfaction, and how benefits and training can shape long-term career well-being. As workplaces continue to change, and as Canada’s workforce challenges continue to evolve, understanding what job quality means is becoming more important than ever.

In this special live mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, recorded at Cannexus25 in Ottawa, host Jeremy Strachan explores how labour market information (LMI) is shaping career development, workforce planning, and skills training in a time of rapid change. Featuring insights from Jason Dennison (Fleming College), Tony Bonen (Signal49 Research), and Tricia Williams (Future Skills Centre), the discussion unpacks how data-driven decision-making can help job seekers, educators, and policymakers navigate economic shifts, automation, and AI’s growing influence on the labour market.

From understanding regional job trends to leveraging tools like OpportuNext for career transitions, this episode highlights the critical role of LMI in building a resilient workforce. What skills will be in demand? How can Canadians future-proof their careers? And, how do we make labour market data more accessible and actionable? We’ll hear three expert perspectives on the evolving skills ecosystem and what it means for the future of work.

In this mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, Jeremy Strachan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate at Signal49 Research, about her recent study on neurodiversity in Canadian post-secondary education. The research, conducted in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, explores key findings from the report Creating Inclusive Campuses: Neuroinclusive Policies and Practices in Post-secondary Education.

The discussion highlights the challenges neurodivergent students face, including their invisibility on campuses, complex accommodation processes, and persistent stigma. Dr. Fane calls for greater accessibility within equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and offers practical recommendations, such as establishing neurodiversity hubs and providing campus-wide neurodiversity training.

The episode also previews upcoming Future Skills Centre research on inclusive employment pathways for neurodivergent individuals.