Question Period Note: THE SECTORAL WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS PROGRAM

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Labour shortages and skills mismatches are impacting key sectors of Canada’s economy that are critical to the well-being of its citizens.

That is why our Government is investing $410 million under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to implement 21 projects that will help create more training opportunities in the green economy, the health sector, and other key sectors.

These projects focus on workforce development and connecting Canadians with training for jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers.

The SWSP also supports equity-deserving groups and provides wrap-around supports to those facing barriers.

These projects will help key economic sectors implement solutions that address their current and emerging workforce needs.

In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada announced the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP). The SWSP helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs.

The SWSP funds sectoral projects that support workers and employers through a wide-range of activities:

Training and reskilling to help workers gain new skills to meet the needs of employers and transition to in-demand jobs. This is a primary focus for the Program, and includes developing and delivering micro-credentials or certification programs and other training opportunities such as work-integrated learning.

Solutions to help employers, in particular small and medium-sized businesses, attract and retain a skilled and innovative workforce.

Initiatives to reduce barriers and help equity-deserving groups get the skills they need to find work and succeed in key sectors.

Other creative solutions, standards and tools to address sectoral labour market needs.

The program helps address workforce needs in key sectors such as: agri-food; construction; health; information and communication technologies; manufacturing; natural resources and environment; tourism; and, transportation.

The SWSP will help thousands of employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers. It also supports equity-deserving groups by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing wrap-around supports as needed to those facing barriers to participation.

In 2022, the SWSP completed its first intake process focused on three priorities: (i) building talent for the clean economy; (ii) investing in the health sector; and, (iii) supporting demand-driven solutions for sectors hardest hit by the pandemic and those key to recovery. As a result, the Program invested $410 million to launch 21 projects that will conclude on March 31, 2024. The department is working with successful organizations to implement projects and demonstrate results to Canadians. The Program is currently oversubscribed.

“Canadian workers are leading the way in building a green economy, and we will always be there to support workers in acquiring the skills they need to do so. Through these investments, we are positioning workers across Canada for success in the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, News Release, More Canadian workers to benefit from the green economy, September 18, 2023