Canada is entering a period of historic investment: in housing, infrastructure, defence, and AI-driven productivity. While the potential is massive, success also relies on having people with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time — and creating inclusive pathways to quality jobs. To get there, we must evolve our training systems to build the resilient workforce employers need.
A Future Built on Skills: Meeting the Demand for Talent is a one-day hybrid forum bringing together senior leaders from across Canadian employers, labour, policy and workforce development. It offers a unique space to explore the practical solutions employers need to build resilient talent pipelines, how policy can empower them to act, and how we translate our country’s massive capital investments into long-term prosperity.
Join us to shape a coordinated workforce system that meets Canada’s boldest ambitions, matches industry needs, and ensures no community is left behind.
Discussion | What does it take to start a career in 2026? What young people are facing and how leaders can respond
Youth unemployment has made headlines lately—in 2025, the rate peaked to a 15-year non-pandemic high. For young Canadians (18-29), uncertainties abound: how will AI disrupt jobs? Will their education match up with the job market? Featuring youth perspectives on the workforce, this discussion explores the realities facing young workers and examines how decision-makers can help them make a successful transition into the labour market.
What do the latest numbers tell us about Canada’s skill gaps? Grounded in current data, this session establishes a clear snapshot of our workforce landscape. It gets straight to the heart of what employers face in attracting and keeping skilled talent, framing shared challenges and practical pathways ahead.
Fast-growing sectors need direct collaboration between industry and training providers. Drawing on the success of industry-aligned training in Canada’s biomanufacturing sector, this session examines how these partnerships can create targeted learning streams, and how employer-backed competency models can close critical skill gaps.
Solving persistent labour shortages requires moving beyond traditional supply-side training toward responsive, demand-driven talent pipelines. Featuring a real-world example from the Invest Talent initiative in Vancouver, this session offers practical approaches to translating employer needs into targeted workforce programs.
During the workshop, you’ll work with others at your table through the decisions, commitments, and system conditions required to co-design talent pipelines.
Panel | Skills-first approaches: What can we learn about talent recognition from international experiences?
Recognizing measurable skills alongside formal credentials helps build an agile, inclusive workforce. Drawing on insights from Australia and the United States, this session explores how employers, training providers, governments, and workers can build consensus and put skills at the forefront—offering practical policy tools to build the flexible, evidence-backed talent pipelines Canada needs.
Case Study | How Quebec is incentivizing employers in the construction industry to invest in training
Meeting infrastructure demand requires workforce systems that adapt to regional needs. This session draws on a case study from Quebec’s construction industry to examine the impacts of provincial regulation and co-designed pathways into the trades—offering practical lessons on how employer investments in training address persistent skills gaps, and how these models can be scaled for greater impact.
Attracting a diverse workforce is only the first step—lasting progress relies on keeping and advancing that talent. Focusing on diverse groups, including Indigenous, Racialized, and young workers, this panel explores practical approaches to career progression, creating supportive workplace cultures, and the policies needed to sustain an inclusive labour market across sectors.
Artificial intelligence is already changing skills, jobs and business processes in many Canadian industries. For this to yield productivity growth, it will require firms to pair technology adoption with increased workforce capability. In this session, panelists from business, municipal, and industry groups explore practical approaches to talent-centred AI integration.
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers and labour, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure the benefits of lifelong learning are accessible to all. We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and Signal49 Research, and are funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program.
Katie Fitzmaurice is a strategic and collaborative leader driving economic transformation across in the Metro Vancouver region. As Executive Vice President at Invest Vancouver, she leads initiatives that advance inclusive prosperity, regional wellbeing, and long-term competitiveness.
With experience across the private sector and all levels of government, Katie brings a systems-level perspective to unlocking economic opportunities. She is known for convening diverse stakeholders and shaping bold strategies that build resilience and innovation.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and remains committed to community impact—most notably as a Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce board member and as a member of the World Trade Centre Vancouver (WTCV) Advisory Committee through the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Dr Simon Booth is the Executive Director of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). He leads the organisation's day-to-day operations and supports the delivery of strategic and operational priorities. In this role, he oversees programs, projects and staff, coordinates analysis and advice for consideration by the Commissioner, and supports the effective implementation of agreed priorities. Simon leads engagement with states and territories to support a nationally consistent approach to skills and workforce policy. Through this work, he helps ensure JSA operates efficiently, effectively and as a unified organisation.
Before joining JSA, Simon was a First Assistant Secretary in the Skills Group at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. He was responsible for policy and strategy, skills portfolio governance, data, and student inclusion. He also led negotiations for the National Skills Agreement.
Simon has held a range of senior roles in the Victorian Government across vocational education and training, economic development, and policies supporting vulnerable children and young people.
Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist at Signal49 Research (formerly The Conference Board of Canada) where he provides insights and general direction for economic products, which include reports and economic indicators about Canada, its regions, and sectors. He provides professional testimony before parliamentary and senate committees along with media appearances in both English and French. Pedro is widely sought to speak to industry leaders and decision-makers on a wide range of issues and topics impacting Canadians.
Pedro started his professional career in 1987 with the Canadian forecast team at the Bank of Canada, joining Signal49 in 1992 as part of the provincial forecast team. Over time, he had responsibility for the economic analysis of different provinces and sectors. He also worked on several international projects to help decision-makers in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, and Ukraine develop appropriate forecasting and policy analysis tools. Among other topics, Pedro has researched the impact of Canada’s demographic change on labour markets, the fiscal sustainability of health care, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
Pedro’s recent work has taken him on a deep dive into Canada’s productivity problem, shedding light on the fact that Canada’s productivity “emergency” is concentrated in a few key industries. His other research has helped separate fact from fiction on immigration and inequality. Pedro recently contributed to a major financed research project that quantifies the most probable path for Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions under the federal government’s Emissions Reduction Plan.
Pedro guides our forecast team in producing the highest quality and most trusted forecasts. From model development to making critical calls about downturns, he has been instrumental in building Signal49’s reputation as the go-to organization for understanding how change impacts our economy across provinces and territories.
Mr. Antunes is fluent in both official languages. He is married with one son and enjoys hikes with his dog and playing soccer. He holds an M.A. (Economics) from Queen's University and a B.A. from Bishop’s University.
Marwa Abdou is the Senior Research Director at the Business Data Lab (BDL), Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the Research Centre of Excellence and drives a forward-looking agenda on trade, business conditions, and inclusive growth. Since joining in 2022, she has played a pivotal role in shaping how data and insight inform Canada’s economic policy and business strategy. She is also the Host and Executive Producer of the BDL podcast Canada’s Economy, Explained.
With more than 15 years of global experience, Marwa has led technical assistance and capacity-building projects across the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, working with institutions such as the World Bank, APEC, OECD, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She previously served as Advisor to the Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt, supporting private-sector engagement and economic diplomacy efforts. Her work spans regulatory reform, trade facilitation, and private-sector development, with a consistent focus on inclusion and equity.
Marwa has authored numerous policy papers on gender equity and the economic potential of underrepresented groups, and is co-author of Borders Without Barriers, a book published by the Asian Development Bank on regional trade integration in South and Southeast Asia. She holds a Master’s in International Relations and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Economics) from Queen’s University.
Mark Patterson is Founder and Executive Director of Magnet, a centre of innovation dedicated to helping employers, workers, and communities adapt to a rapidly changing economy. A recognized leader in workforce innovation, his work focuses on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping jobs, skills, and organizational strategy. Mark advocates for human-centred approaches to AI that help organizations build inclusive, future-ready workforces and support people in navigating a rapidly evolving labour market.
Dr. Wendy Cukier, MA, MBA, PhD, DU (hon) LLD (hon), is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Academic Director and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She is the co-author of the bestseller, Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park and former Vice-President of Research and Innovation at TMU. She has authored more than 200 articles on aspects of diversity, inclusion and innovation. Cukier is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Institute has more than 130 full-time research staff. Projects include DiversityLeads, which has tracked the representation of women in leadership roles, and a host of projects focused specifically on women in technology. The Diversity Institute has also pioneered innovative projects such as the Advanced Digital and Professional Training program (ADaPT), the Women Entrepreneurship Hub and the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub. She is the Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre and leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, as well as the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (IIE-Net).
Wendy received many awards for her work advancing diversity and inclusion, including the Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. She has been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, the 2019 CATA Alliance Sara Kirke Award, a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, WXN most powerful women and, most recently, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Community Builder Award and was named one of the International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference. She has an MA, MBA, PhD in Management Science and two honorary doctorates
Marco is an accomplished public sector leader specializing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence adoption, and advanced analytics. At the Township of King, Marco leads an award-winning AI program focused on modernizing municipal operations and service delivery. He also volunteers with MISA as Head of the newly established Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, advancing municipal maturity and collaboration around emerging technologies.
Since 2001, Alex has led research, knowledge mobilization and innovation programs on skills and labour market development, post-secondary education and training, and tripartite approaches to workforce development. He has worked both in Canada and internationally and highlights of his career include leading the Canadian Council on Learning’s Work and Learning Knowledge Centre (2006–2009) and the Centre for Workplace Skills (2009–2012). Most of his international work was done with Colleges and Institutes Canada (2013-2020) where he led a capacity building project in Mozambique (2013 to 2015) and managed monitoring and evaluation for all CICan international programs. He joined the Future Skills Centre in 2022 where he is currently the Director of Programs. Alex lives in Ottawa with his partner Eliane and their two children.
Noel Baldwin has been the Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC) since June, 2024. He brings nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development in postsecondary education, adult learning and skills development.
Since joining FSC in 2019 as Director of Government and Public Affairs, Noel has provided leadership in navigating the complex skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. FSC has successfully forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors.
Prior to joining FSC, Noel was the Coordinator of Postsecondary Education and Adult Learning at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).
Tricia Williams, PhD, is Director of Research, Evaluation & Knowledge Mobilization at the Future Skills Centre, where she leads a portfolio of applied research and innovation projects focused on building a more inclusive and adaptable workforce in Canada. With over two decades of experience spanning academia, government, and the non-profit sector, she has developed deep expertise in skills development, labour market policy, and the future of work.
Her work bridges research and practice, shaping policy and program design to better align education and training with the evolving needs of workers and employers. She has published widely on workforce innovation, equity in employment, and the role of technology in reshaping work.
Tricia holds a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees in Sociology and Development Economics, as well as a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology. She is a sought-after advisor and speaker on skills and workforce development, bringing a practical, evidence-based perspective to conversations about economic change and social impact.
Paul Thompson was appointed Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development on September 18, 2023. Previously, he served as Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement, beginning in January 2022, and as Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, starting in November 2017.
Prior to these roles, Paul has held several senior executive positions at Employment and Social Development Canada, such as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Skills and Employment Branch, as well as executive positions in various departments, including the Privy Council Office, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
Paul holds a master of arts degree in economics from Queen’s University and a bachelor of arts degree in economics and political science from the University of Toronto. He is a father of three and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities.
Before being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, she served as Deputy Minister of Tourism. From 2018 to 2022, she held the position of Chair of the Labour Market Partners Commission (CPMT). From 1998 to 2018, she held various roles within the CCQ, notably serving as Vice-President of Customer Service and Development.
Throughout her career, Ms. Murray has developed an in-depth knowledge of Quebec, built trusted relationships across a broad network, and implemented innovative solutions in complex environments. Her strategic vision, leadership skills, and deep understanding of government operations make her a committed and engaging unifier. She has also gained a nuanced understanding of economic development issues linked to challenges facing the labour market, climate change, and diversity. A seasoned executive manager, she has spearheaded the evolution and implementation of several high-impact public policies and legislative reforms for Quebec.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Commission de la construction du Québec, Ms. Murray is a board member for Tourisme Montréal. Active for over twenty years on various boards within Quebec's cultural sector, she currently chairs the board of the Théâtre Jean Duceppe. She has also served as a member of the Conseil du statut de la femme and the Conseil de presse du Québec.
As CEO, Penny draws on more than 15 years of executive experience in public, private, and not-for-profit enterprises to lead CASTL as the national training partner for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry. Working in collaboration with a network of industry, technology, and academic innovators, she ensures the CASTL team is strategically positioned to meet the existing and emerging workforce needs of the sector.
As CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, Penny led workforce development and other economic development initiatives and advocated with all levels of government on behalf of businesses of all sizes. Penny holds a BBA and MBA from the University of Prince Edward Island and is a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. She is also an alumnus of the Governor General’s Leadership Conference and Holland College. Penny has volunteered her skills on a variety of community, academic, and crown corporation boards.
Elyse Watkins, EdD is an internationally published author, researcher and strategic leader with over 10 years of experience enhancing equity and quality learning across Canada. She has worked with national and provincial governing bodies to improve skills development and education for all learners.
As the Associate Director of Corporate Strategy at the Future Skills Centre, she brings her passion for strategic planning, evidence-informed decision making, innovation and inclusion to enhance the future of work.
Elyse’s doctoral research, completed at the University of Toronto, focused on examining the skills in focus during the COVID-19 pandemic using an equity-based lens. She also holds a master’s degree in international education policy from Harvard University and earned her bachelor of health sciences (honours) from McMaster University.
Graham Fox was Hydro-Québec's vice President – Public Affairs, External Relations and Communications in 2024-2025. In this capacity, he was tasked with ensuring open and constructive communications with the general public and Hydro-Québec stakeholders, including governments, while also maintaining privileged relations with local communities. Prior to joining Hydro-Québec, Mr. Fox was a managing principal at Navigator, a leading strategy and public relations firm, and Executive Chairman of the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Research on Public Policy (2011–2021) and as a strategic policy adviser at the law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain (2007–2011).
Through the experience he gained in these positions and others in the field of public policy, he acquired solid expertise in issues management and government relations. Mr. Fox holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Queen’s University and a master’s degree in political science from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is a member of the Board of Advisors of the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University and an interviewer for the McCall MacBain Foundation’s selection committee. He also sits on the boards of Le Gesù – Centre de créativité, a creative arts space in Montréal, and the Parliamentary Centre, one of Canada’s foremost non-partisan, non-governmental organizations dedicated to supporting inclusive and accountable democratic institutions around the world.
Anjana Moitra-Ohri is Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Roots, where she leads the organization’s enterprise people and culture strategy. With more than 20 years of experience across retail, healthcare, financial services, tourism and consulting, she has built her career helping organizations strengthen leadership, develop talent and build the capabilities required for a changing world of work.
Prior to Roots, Anjana held senior leadership roles at CBI Health, where she led enterprise initiatives spanning organizational development, talent, employee experience, HR technology, total rewards and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Anjana is a frequent speaker on the future of work, talent, leadership and organizational transformation. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School, where she graduated with distinction as an Ivey Scholar, a BA from the University of British Columbia and the CPHR designation.
Meena Naik is an advocate for actualizing a radical future centering a skills-first approach to economic mobility, and partners with organizations and education providers to support the implementation of best practices in skills-first learning and credentialing efforts and associated technologies with a person-first mindset. She serves as a Senior Director with Jobs for the Future.
Prior to her current efforts to promote dual transformation changes, bringing legacy systems and processes into the current reality while activity innovating and testing new opportunities, she served as the program director for Career Connect at the University of North Texas where she led the marketable skills credential effort and was the university’s comprehensive learner record architect. She has held roles at several other institutions—including UC San Diego, Abilene Christian University, and Skyline College—supporting faculty development, instructional design, student-facing academic support services, retention programs for systemically excluded and historically under-resourced students, and traditional student affairs programming.
Meena is currently completing her dissertation in Educational Psychology from University of North Texas with a research focus on personal agency in presenting personal identities despite a loss of power. She holds a Master of Science degree in higher education administration and student affairs from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology and neuroscience from UC San Diego.
De Martin has over 25 years of experience in software development, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as holographic applications and an AI-powered digital twinning platform for agriculture. He formerly held leadership positions at Microsoft, where he increased the size of the Vancouver office from 300 to 1,700 employees. In addition, he served as a General Manager in the Microsoft Dynamics division, overseeing the development of Dynamics 365 Guides and Remote Assist in the mixed reality space.
Earlier in his career, De Martin was Franchise Development Director at Vancouver's Electronic Arts, where he led the delivery of Need for Speed Underground, a top-selling video game worldwide. He was recognized for his operational excellence in the gaming industry, earning consecutive "Best Company" awards during his time at Next Level Games.
Currently, he is the CEO & Co-Founder of Industrio AI, a company that specializes in AI and DataOps services helping companies design and build scalable software and data solutions that drive industry progress.
In addition, De Martin uses his expertise to support organizations that are shaping the Canadian tech ecosystem like DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies. He also sits on the boards of The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and the Richmond Hospital Foundation.
Steven N. Liss is Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University and an internationally recognized expert in environmental biotechnology and engineering and wastewater / water management. He led the creation of the Future Skills Centre and serves as a member of FSC’s Advisory Board and Leadership Table. He also contributes to global talent development as an advisory member of the Future Talent Council’s Centre for Higher Education Transformation. Under his leadership, TMU has launched major research initiatives including the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, secured two Canada Excellence Research Chairs, and received a Canada First Research Excellence Fund award. Prof. Liss led the Planning process, and contributed to the establishment of TMU’s new School of Medicine.
Michelle is an influential industry voice at the forefront of the electricity and renewable energy sector’s labour market intelligence and HR best practices. Under her leadership, EHRC has grown to be the definitive source for the valued insights, programs and resources that drive industry solutions.
Michelle contributes her expertise through board and advisory roles with organizations such as the Energy Council of Canada (ECC), Bruce Power Site Development Advisory Committee, ECAO HR Committee and Electricity Industry Newsweek’s editorial advisory board, among others. Her international perspective, shaped by her master’s degree in training and performance management from the University of Leicester (UK) and her PMP designation, brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to workforce development.
Michelle’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally, including being named a 2024 Impact Campaigner at COP29 for her leadership in the industry and dedication to promoting gender diversity and equity. She was recognized in 2022 as one of the 100 Canadian women leading Canada’s energy transition at COP27 and is the 2015 recipient of the distinguished WiRE Woman of the Year award from Women in Renewable Energy.
Shizuka Kato is a Policy Analyst at the OECD, specialising in skills and lifelong learning policies. She is currently based in the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, where her work covers skills-first approaches in hiring and training, talent and skill shortages, and individual learning accounts. She previously worked in the Directorate for Education and Skills, leading projects on micro-credentials and contributing to higher education initiatives on digital transformation, labour-market relevance and graduate outcomes. Before joining the OECD, she worked at Waseda University in Tokyo, advancing student and staff mobility and strengthening international partnerships as part of the International Affairs Division.
