Start your day with coffee and networking before the event.

An overview of what to expect over the course of the two days, including key themes, breakout sessions, panels, and other opportunities.

The Conference Chair will set the stage, outlining key themes and outline foundations for the discussions ahead.

This session provides an overview of the state of play of Canada’s workforce, highlighting current strengths and future needs, and explores how these are being aligned through policy gaps and opportunities.

The transition to a low-carbon economy requires workers with new skills in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and energy management, yet many face gaps in training and access to credentialing programs. This session will explore strategies for upskilling the workforce through certification programs, apprenticeships, and practical training initiatives, highlighting tools and approaches that help workers acquire in-demand skills. 

This panel brings together city council leaders from across the region to examine how municipalities are shaping the next phase of workforce development. The discussion will look at local priorities, regional coordination, and the practical steps cities are taking to support training, hiring, and economic resilience. The session will explore regulatory alignment, infrastructure needs, partnerships with employers and community organizations, and the role of municipal leadership in building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

12:00 PM Workforce and Technology Transition: Preparing People for the Future of Work This session examines how technological change — including automation, digital tools, and evolving energy-sector demands — is reshaping workforce needs. It highlights why proactive workforce planning is critical to prevent skill gaps and ensure smooth technology adoption.

Our lunch tables bring together experts from across sectors, join the discussion and exchange insights.

 Visit Our Clean Economy Youth Campaign Challenge Exhibits!

This session explores how human‑centered and participatory design approaches can help build workforce and climate systems that are more effective, equitable, and resilient. Drawing from real‑world examples in climate action, workforce development, and community‑driven policy, it will examine what it truly means to co‑design systems with the people they are meant to serve—particularly workers and communities navigating the energy transition.

This session explores how major infrastructure projects reveal critical workforce needs and highlight gaps in skills, planning, and coordination. It examines strategies for aligning available talent, budgets, and regulatory requirements to deliver projects effectively. Panelists will share lessons from large-scale initiatives on how to plan ahead, optimize resources, and implement practical solutions that ensure both project success and a workforce ready for future demands.

 

Join our interactive roundtables to engage on a topic of your choice and collaborate with peers to develop actionable industry recommendations. Each discussion is designed to explore real challenges, share insights, and produce strategies that can guide workforce and sustainability initiatives throughout the year.

Topics include:

Reskilling Without Resetting: Building the Future on Today’s Strengths

Recruitment Without Barriers: Designing Inclusive Job Pathways

Leveraging Digital Tools for Workforce Resilience

Join a series of speakers as they pitch rapid 5-7 minute ideas on supporting Canada’s transition to a sustainable workforce. This fast-paced session highlights cutting-edge concepts and innovative approaches, sparking actionable ideas that participants can take back to their own organizations.

Closing reflections from the Chair, highlighting key insights from the day and setting the stage for tomorrow’s discussions

Start your day with coffee and networking before the event.

The Conference Chair will set the stage, outlining key themes and outline foundations for the discussions ahead.

This session explores how technology and AI are helping essential industries manage persistent labour shortages by reducing repetitive tasks and supporting frontline staff. It highlights practical examples of AI improving efficiency, safety, and productivity while creating space for workers to move into higher skill roles. The discussion examines what organizations must do to implement these tools responsibly, including clear communication, upskilling, and people-first design. 

This session examines how digital transformation and automation are reshaping workforce needs in the energy sector and creating opportunities to address upcoming skill shortages. It highlights the challenges posed by demographic trends and declining interest among young people in energy careers, emphasizing the need for strategic workforce planning. The session explores approaches for rethinking the skills and roles energy companies must prioritize, and offers insights into aligning training, technology adoption, and talent development with future industry demands. 

This session explores how advances in neuroscience are shaping workforce design, learning, and performance. Understanding how the brain responds to change, stress, skills development, and decision making is becoming essential for building resilient and adaptable teams. The discussion will examine practical approaches for integrating neuroscience insights into training models, leadership development, and workplace systems.

A fast-paced segment where panelists discuss statements about Canada’s workforce policies, training programs, and employer incentives. Panelists will explore new approaches to funding trades training and apprenticeships, and discuss how to better reward businesses for developing the skills needed for Canada’s evolving workforce.

This session provides a bird’s-eye view of Canada’s economic transition toward a post-fossil-fuel future. It will highlight the workforce and employment opportunities emerging from the shift, showing the numbers and the scale of demand for new skills. The session will outline a clear path forward, including what actions, strategies, and partnerships are needed to build a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.

This panel examines workforce needs and emerging strategies to strengthen skilled trades, highlighting practical approaches to support training, recruitment, and long term retention across the sector.

 

Network with peers, visit our exhibition booths, and contribute to brainstorming activities over the lunch hour

Join our interactive roundtables to engage on a topic of your choice and collaborate with peers to develop actionable industry recommendations. Each discussion is designed to explore real challenges, share insights, and produce strategies that can guide workforce and sustainability initiatives throughout the year.

Topics include:

Equitable Apprenticeships: From Outreach to Retention

Recruitment Without Barriers: Designing Inclusive Job Pathways

Designing Flexible Work for Blue-Collar Roles

Women in Trades & Clean Energy: Breaking Systemic Barriers

This session explores how Canada can engage and prepare young people for careers in the clean economy. It will highlight strategies for building awareness, creating accessible training programs, and fostering mentorship opportunities that connect youth with emerging roles in sustainability and energy transition. Speakers will share practical approaches to overcome barriers such as cost, geographic access, and lack of industry exposure, ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead in a low-carbon future

In this interactive session, participants will explore practical strategies for shaping an inclusive and high-performing workforce. Topics include behavioral science applications, the impact of AI on work and talent, remote and hybrid work models, multigenerational teams, and workforce mobility. The session will examine how these trends influence diversity, inclusion, and overall workforce dynamics, helping organizations prepare for the evolving demands of 2030.

Our chair will close the event with final reflections and clear actions to carry forward after the summit.

Join us for an informal walking tour to enjoy the sunset and unwind after two action-packed days (details to follow)