Publications

An estimated 30 percent of the Canadian workforce is engaged in non-standard, precarious work, with an inability to transition to something more stable. As the labour market has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is a critical time to examine what has played an integral part in shaping the current landscape of our labour market. This paper explores policy considerations around data, benefits and alternatives to envision a future where precarity does not have to be a reality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many workplaces to innovate rapidly in order to simply survive. But innovation is a critical component of our economic prosperity even during normal times. To be successful, Canada’s skills strategies must address skills for innovation across sectors — from solo entrepreneurs, to small and medium-sized businesses, to large corporations and even within government itself. While Canada has made significant efforts to foster a strong innovation economy, the pandemic has helped to reveal where these efforts have created strong foundations for success as well as areas where much remains to be done.

COVID-19, the skills gap and automation have all conspired to change the work landscape in Canada and post-secondary institutions must respond to those changing needs. Add to that the fact that employers have been complaining for some time that new hires don’t have the skills the workplace demands, and you have a reason to re-evaluate the way universities operate. They tend to focus on content but employers are looking for cognitive and behavioural skills over content and disciplinary knowledge.

Canada’s post-secondary institutions are well positioned for the future, thanks to innovative approaches and a willingness to use technological advances in education. COVID-19 has challenged these institutions, but they have showed adaptability under pressure by accelerating their adoption of innovations. However, some challenges predate the pandemic such as better inclusion of equity-seeking groups in higher education. Better funding models and greater flexibility can build greater resilience and agility into the system while addressing long-standing challenges and inequities.

Immigration is an important part of Canada’s economic growth – especially in terms of sustaining the labour market. And although Canada welcomes many immigrants on our shores, we aren't creating an employment environment where they can use their skills and credentials to their fullest potential. This fact has never been more clear, with immigrants disproportionately impacted by a decimated hospitality and service sectors due to recurring pandemic lockdowns. There are several steps Canada needs to take to fix this problem, and doing so will benefit not just immigrants but Canada's economy as well.

A one-size-fits-all approach to pandemic recovery will not work. Programs tailored to the specific needs of specific groups will be important for a strong recovery, as will equitable access to critical supports, such as the infrastructure needed to overcome the digital divide. Businesses, governments and employees must all commit to reskilling — particularly when it comes to those from diverse groups who face barriers and bias — to develop an effective and inclusive skills and employment ecosystem that leaves no one behind.  

As the supply and availability of vaccines continue to increase across Canada, the only limiting factor on vaccination rates will soon be the willingness of otherwise-reluctant individuals to be vaccinated. Examining data from the Media Ecosystem Observatory, Dr. Peter Loewen provides a real-time view of the vaccine hesitant in Canada. Who are these people? Where do they live? How informed are they about COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rapid rise in the number of Canadians who are teleworking. While for many the transition has been positive, and a significant number of workers and employers indicate an interest in continuing teleworking arrangements post-pandemic, there are inequalities in access and ability to telework. As teleworking will likely continue for many workers post-pandemic, taking steps to resolve these inequalities will be an important part of Canada’s economic recovery, as will ensuring that all Canadians are able to access the skills and training they need to succeed in this new working arrangement.

The emergence of COVID-19 forced a shift away from workplaces and schools to online working and learning, but this digital transformation has not been evenly experienced by all Canadians. This report examines the key components of Canada's essential digital infrastructure system, highlights worrying inequalities that exist within this system, and offers recommendations on how to quickly reduce some of the most glaring obstacles that prevent many of those who would benefit the most from accessing training, education and employment opportunities digitally from doing so.

Today's bi-lateral Canada-U.S. relationship finds itself being tested like never before. There have been clear signals of a return to normal, but is that a realistic expectation in the wake of the Trump presidency and the deep divisions evident in U.S. society? The Public Policy Forum in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, assembled a roundtable of Canadian and American foreign-policy experts and several points of consensus emerged.

News headlines emphasize non-compliance and dissatisfaction with the COVID-19 response. Yet a COVID-19 consensus has emerged, and Canadians are as supportive of governments’ response to the virus as they were 10 months ago. Examining data from the Media Ecosystem Observatory, Dr. Peter Loewen finds that Canadians broadly agree on the risks of the disease, what measures should be taken to fight it and how much income support individuals and businesses should receive.

Job polarization is one of several trends — including automation, offshoring and the growing importance of the gig-economy — that were already of general interest prior to the onset of the pandemic, but which have been pushed even further into the centre of public policy discussions by the arrival of COVID-19. As Canadian policymakers consider how to build back the economy after the pandemic, addressing the problems created by job polarization needs to figure prominently in their priorities.

Canadian Economic Competitiveness