As Canada navigates a defining moment marked by rapid shifts in global trade, advancements in artificial intelligence, lagging productivity, and evolving demographics and immigration, our future prosperity depends on our ability to innovate, adapt, and work together.
A Future Built on Skills is a one-day hybrid event that brings together the country’s most influential voices in skills, training and workforce development—from government and business to education and community. By connecting ideas, evidence and people who drive change, this forum will align leaders around a bold, coordinated vision for investing in skills and the future of work.
To achieve our national ambitions—more housing, modernized infrastructure, and a self-reliant, inclusive economy—we need people with the right skills, in the right places, at the right time.
Join us to unlock a future built on skills.
Setting the tone for the day by exploring why skills are central to Canada’s economic and social future. We’ll frame the challenges and opportunities ahead, making the case for skills as a foundational investment in prosperity, resilience, and inclusion. Participants will connect at their tables to share perspectives and expectations.
Grounded in evidence, this session offers a clear picture of Canada’s skills landscape today, connecting research to real-world outcomes. Through data-driven insights and focused themes, we’ll establish a clear baseline of Canada’s skills landscape, how our workforce compares to our OECD peers, the economic impact of international pressures such as tariffs, and the readiness of our labour market to meet future demands.
Dr. Glenda Quintini, Senior Economist, OECD
Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder, Diversity Institute & Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management
Moderator: Jennifer Robson, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Political Management, Carleton
Michael Burt, Vice President, Conference Board of Canada
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder, Diversity Institute & Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management
Karen Myers, President and CEO of Blueprint ADE
Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet
Moderator: Alex Stephens, Director of Programs, Future Skills Centre
Big change starts with practical action. This spotlight showcases IVADO’s work in advancing AI skills through collaboration between research, industry, and government. This initiative is accelerating Canada’s digital transformation, fostering world-class talent, and creating scalable solutions that deliver real impact.
This spotlight features FutureBUILDS , the first BIPOC Real Estate Development Incubator in Canada. Designed to advance equity in city-building, this project supports early and mid-career Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour professionals in real estate development. The session will explore its origins and scaling ambitions.
What’s actually happening on the ground to address Canada’s skills challenges, and what’s still out of reach? This panel brings together leaders from government, business, unions, and education to share real actions underway today, along with steps they believe are possible under the right conditions.
Tyler Downie, President, SEIU
Daniel Tisch Echevarría, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges & Institutes Canada
Colette Kaminsky, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development of Canada
Jackie Pichette, Director, Skills Policy, RBC Thought Leadership
Moderator: Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre
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 groups, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learning opportunities. We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada, and are funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program.
Mark Patterson is the Executive Director of Magnet, a Centre of Innovation, housed at Toronto Metropolitan University. Under his leadership, Magnet built a platform that connects talent, industry, education, and training, helping Canadians develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. As a thought leader in workforce innovation and technology integration, Mark offers valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping skills and employment. His leadership continues to influence how individuals and organizations adapt to these changes
Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist at 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.
For over 25 years, Réjean Roy has specialized in strategic mandates in the digital world. He was involved in the early work carried out by the Quebec and Canadian governments on natural language processing in the 1990s. He has co-directed the creation of organizations such as the Quebec chapter of the Internet Society, the IA Quebec Forum and the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of AI and Digital Technology (Obvia).
Roy also carried out numerous studies and transfer activities on themes such as e-government, the impact of digital technology on official languages, e-learning, the environmental effects of technologies, and their appropriation by businesses and public organizations.
Réjean Roy holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (McGill), a diploma in international relations (Louvain-la-Neuve) and a master’s degree in political science (Laval).
Alfred Burgesson is an entrepreneur committed to driving inclusive innovation, economic growth, and social impact. Recognized as the recipient of the Public Policy Forum 2025 Emerging Leader Award. Alfred is shaping the future through technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. He is the Founder & CEO of Tribe Network, a thriving community for racialized entrepreneurs and innovators, providing access to capital, coaching, and networks to help them start, build, and scale businesses. His work has led to the creation of Tribe Ventures, where he serves as Founder & Managing Partner, investing in transformative businesses and technologies that advance equity and opportunity.
Pari Johnston is President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. A dynamic senior executive with 25 years of experience driving the transformative impact of Canada’s skills, research, and innovation ecosystem for the benefit of Canadians, she is a recognized national postsecondary leader who builds strong and healthy organizational cultures while delivering results.
Tyler Downey is the President of SEIU Healthcare Canada which is a healthcare union that represents 65,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario. The unions membership consists mainly of women with more than half being people of color and new immigrants. Tyler has spent the last 19 years helping to lead the transformative work that has taken place at the union. He believes that an inclusive, member focused, and innovative union is a force that can do so much good within society.
Tyler is also President of the newly formed SEIU Healthcare Training Center where he has successfully led the creation of the first of its kind union digital hiring hall. He is currently working on expanding the work of the training center to include supporting Internationally trained nurses pathway to employment in Canada.
Tyler also serves as the President and Board Chair of the union sponsored award winning retirement plan MY65+. He also serves as Board trustee for the Nursing Home Pension Plan.
The one thing Tyler is most proud of, is his work to transform the union to become a leader in
Organizational Equity & Inclusion. He has been committed and focused on supporting the
unions drive to becoming an anti-racist and fully inclusive union.
Outside of his union work, Tyler is a volunteer board member with the Good Vibes Foundation
and enjoys supporting community organizations working with youth.
Tyler is an avid golfer, loves to exercise and hang out in his backyard smoking bbq.
He currently lives with his wife of 28 years in Toronto, Ontario.
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, 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.
Dr. Wendy Cukier is the Diversity Institute Founder, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre. Dr. Wendy Cukier is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Institute works with partners on projects (including several with OCC) aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership and entrepreneurship. Wendy leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, funded by the Government of Canada which promote inclusive supports for women and other diverse entrepreneurs. Wendy was also an integral part of the bid for the new $260m Ryerson-led Future Skills Centre, funded by the Government of Canada and now leads a program of research focused driving innovative approaches to bridges the skills gap. She has helped create and grow several successful startups and social ventures including Flybits, Think2Thing, the Madeleine Collective, and Growing North (now Green Iglu).
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.
Karen Myers is the President and CEO of Blueprint, and a champion for the better use of evidence to achieve outcomes for people in Canada. She leads an interdisciplinary team that works across Canada with government, community and business leaders to develop evidence informed solutions to public policy challenges. Over the past twenty-five years, Karen has built a solid reputation for leading large-scale projects in a range of policy domains including workforce development, income security, community safety and housing affordability. Her experience spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Before founding Blueprint, Karen was a research director at the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), a senior policy advisor with the Government of Ontario and a senior project leader at training and development advisory firm.
Michael Burt leads several knowledge areas at The Conference Board of Canada, including economics, education and skills, and health. In his role, Mr. Burt oversees the convening and research activities that these knowledge areas undertake, and The Conference Board's contributions to the Future Skills Centre. He provides presentations on a variety of topics and is often cited in the media.
Mr. Burt joined the Conference Board in 2004 and has moved progressively into more senior positions since. Before joining the Board, he worked with an economic consulting firm in the United States. Mr. Burt has more than 25 years of experience conducting and leading research activities and has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Toronto, an MBA from the University of Windsor, and has also completed the Chartered Financial Analyst program.
2SLGBTQIA+ Métis-Cree entrepreneur Bobbie Racette is transforming tech and innovation. As the Founder and President of Virtual Gurus, she’s pioneering a more inclusive digital landscape, driving equitable opportunities for marginalized communities through thoughtful tech and generative AI. Bobbie’s visionary leadership not only propels her business but also inspires others to champion inclusivity and break barriers in the tech industry.
Kaylie is Chief Economist at The Canadian SHIELD Institute – a next-generation policy studio focused on enhancing Canada’s sovereignty and driving economic transformation.
She is a tenacious strategist and confident analyst with 15 years of experience driving economic transformation. She is intellectually curious, solutions focused and known for fostering collaborative learning environments that bring positive energy to complex challenges.
Prior to joining SHIELD, Kaylie held positions in sales, strategy and research. She has contributed to wide-ranging policy initiatives, such as advancing efforts to make wage fixing illegal in Canada, supporting pay equity committees to get women the pay they deserve and studying the potential impacts of new technology on workers.
Kaylie holds a Master of Development Economics from Dalhousie University and sits on the Board of Kindred Credit Union where she Chairs the Technology and Innovation Advisory Group.
Glenda leads the Skills and Future Readiness division at the OECD looking at how skill needs are changing in the labour market and identifying effective policy responses, particularly in the area of adult learning and on-the-job training for the AI and green transitions. Glenda’s team provides advice to countries, carries out comparative analysis and contributes to the development and analysis of the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) and the accompanying employer module on skill gaps. Glenda also leads the Global Deal Support Unit, hosted by the OECD to promote social dialogue and sound industrial relations and foster inclusive growth. Glenda holds a PHD in Economics from the University of Oxford.
Vanmala Subramaniam has been a journalist for 15 years, with a career spanning television, print and online media. She began her career as a producer at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, working on various news and current-affairs programs, including the investigative show the fifth estate.
Vanmala joined The Globe and Mail in 2021. Her reporting focuses on the intersection of labour and immigration. Over the years, she has reported extensively on labour unions, the rights of gig workers, and Ottawa's controversial Temporary Foreign Workers program. She also explores the growing chasm between employers and employees and has written numerous pieces analyzing the merits of return-to-office policies.
Vanmala hails from Malaysia, and speaks three languages. She is an economics graduate of the University of Toronto and has called Canada her home for over 20 years.
Kofi Hope is a Rhodes Scholar and has a Doctorate in Politics from Oxford University. He is the Co-Founder of Monumental. He writes a monthly opinion column for the Toronto Star newspaper and is an Urbanist in Residence at the University of Toronto School of Cities, an emeritus Bousfield Scholar with the Geography and Planning department and a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He serves as a board member for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and has volunteered widely across Toronto. In 2017 he was winner of the Jane Jacobs Prize and in 2018 a Rising Star in Toronto Life’s Power List. Kofi was the co-founder and inaugural Executive Director of the charity the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, now Canada’s largest charity serving Black youth. Kofi has been featured widely across the Canadian media and has delivered over 250 public talks to date.
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.
Jennifer Robson is an Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Political Management at Carleton University. Her research publications include studies of Employment Insurance, tax policy, public investments in early learning, and household education savings. Her work has a particular focus on vulnerable groups and on the details of program design and implementation. She was a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s Task Force on the COVD-19 pandemic, co-leading a report on the distinct effects of the crisis for women, girls and gender-diverse Canadians. Prior to becoming an academic, Jennifer worked in government, in both political and public service roles, and in the voluntary sector.
Daniel Tisch is a business, public policy, and community leader, having held executive roles in government and the corporate sector, and senior governance roles at public institutions and non-profit associations. He is known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management.
From 2003 to 2023, Daniel was the driving force in building Argyle Communications (now Changemakers) into Canada’s largest management-owned engagement, communication and reputation advisory firm growing to $40M in revenue, 175 employees and ten North American offices by 2023. Earlier in his career, Daniel held senior communications roles in the Canadian government, including serving as Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the latter role, he was a member of the Canadian delegation to the G7 Economic Summit
Daniel has spoken to business audiences on every continent, lectured at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business since 1996, and contributed to leading public relations and marketing textbooks. He appears regularly in print and broadcast media, including weekly commentary on CBC Radio and Global News during the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections. In 2021, Daniel was named one of the world’s “top 100” social media influencers on public relations.
Born in Spain to a Latin American family and raised in Toronto, Daniel speaks English, French and Spanish. He holds two degrees from Queen’s University — a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a certified corporate director, with an ICD.D designation in corporate governance from the University of Toronto. Daniel has served as vice chair of the Queen’s University Board of Trustees, a leader in the international Scouting movement and a board member of Social Venture Partners International.
In 2025, Daniel was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to his community, the province and the country.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North in 2015. She has served as Minister of Status of Women, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Minister of Health, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). As of May 2025, she serves as Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).
Prior to her election, Minister Hajdu’s work included serving as Executive Director of Shelter House in Thunder Bay (where she launched the SOS Street Outreach Service), and roles in public health, drug policy, youth development, and homelessness. She also developed the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy, which continues to guide the City’s approach to substance use.
In her ministerial career, some of Minister Hajdu’s key highlights include launching the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, establishing the first National Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, and creating laws to protect federal workers from harassment and violence in the workplace. She also modernized the Federal Labour Code, advanced federal pay equity legislation, and played a central role in leading Canada’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, she has been instrumental in transforming Indigenous Child and Family Services while working to settle litigation for past harms. She played a key role in strengthening Indigenous supports by renewing funding for Jordan’s Principle and extending the Inuit Child First Initiative.
Since becoming Minister of Jobs and Families, she has represented Canada at the UN on sustainable development and disability rights, launched new youth-led accessibility initiatives, and created more job and training opportunities for workers across the country.
Minister Hajdu remains deeply committed to Thunder Bay—Superior North and to advancing policies that build a more inclusive Canada—ensuring that voices from Northwestern Ontario are heard in Ottawa, and that federal programs reflect compassion, fairness, and opportunity for all.
As Director of Skills Policy at RBC Thought Leadership, Jackie leads engagement and insights relating education, workforce development and the relationship with Canadian prosperity. Working with policy makers, educators and employers, she drives research and dialogue to advance meaningful systems change. Prior to joining RBC Thought Leadership, Jackie was the Director of Policy, Research & Partnerships at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, where she led research projects with community, government and educational partners advancing lifelong learning and educational data collection.
Rob Fleming served as an MLA in the BC Legislature from 2005-2024 and was appointed to serve as Minister of Education (2017-2020) and Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure (2020-2024). He oversaw the school system during outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and was in charge of rebuilding damaged infrastructure from the atmospheric river floods of 2021. Prior to provincial politics, Rob was a member of Victoria City Council and a regional district director. Rob now working in a consulting business and does media commentary on BC politics. He lives in Victoria with his wife Maura and their two teenagers Rory and Jack.
Colette is a strategic and visionary public sector leader with a people-centred approach. She has held a range of executive leadership roles driving complex public policy development, leading economic analysis, and designing and implementing successful program operations.
Colette has served on a wide range of Boards providing expert advice to not-for-profits, governments and international institutions. Colette has also led a wide range of negotiations between governments and with large private sector organizations including number of high profile foreign direct investments.