Ottawa/IBNS-CMEDIA: Canada has launched a new industry-led alliance to address labour shortages in the mining sector as demand for critical minerals rises.
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu announced the creation of the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance on Thursday, describing the initiative’s aim to identify workforce gaps and develop solutions to meet labour needs across the mining and minerals industry.
The alliance will be led by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, with support from the Mining Association of Canada.
The government said the alliance will bring together mining companies, labour groups, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders to develop a workforce strategy for the sector.
The announcement comes as Canada seeks to increase production of critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Hajdu said the alliance would help ensure Canada has the skilled workers needed to support major mining and infrastructure projects.
“These investments will help empower Canadian workers with the skills they need to adapt,” Hajdu said in a statement, adding that the alliance would play a key role in supporting projects aimed at strengthening Canada’s economy.
The government said the mining and minerals sector is one of Canada’s largest industries and is expected to play an increasingly important role as global demand for critical minerals grows.
Officials said the alliance will use labour market data and industry input to identify skills shortages and recommend targeted training and workforce development measures.
The Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance is the first of six workforce alliances planned by the federal government. The broader initiative aims to address labour market challenges in key sectors and coordinate investments in training and skills development.
Ottawa said the effort is part of a wider strategy to strengthen domestic industries, reduce economic vulnerabilities and build a more resilient supply chain for critical minerals and other strategic resources.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
