Future of Work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labor market.
The authors argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that Canada needs a strong domestic manufacturing sector to produce what it needs (i.e., essential medical and personal protective equipment in time of crisis). The last 20 years has seen a severe decline in manufacturing in Canada, which has led to stagnant wages and reliance on imports. The solution proposed in this report is straightforward: develop a national manufacturing strategy. By bringing the supply chains home, defining what “Made in Canada” means, funding better training programs and investing heavily in modernization and infrastructure, Canada could revitalize its manufacturing system for post-pandemic recovery. This does not mean going back on old policies directed at expanding export markets, however, but rather considering policies that revitalize the sector and benefit communities across the country, while reducing environmental impact.