Personnes invitées: Noel Baldwin; Michelle Branigan; Vincent Caron
- 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
Workforce Growth for a Prosperous Canada
What kind of skilled workforce does Canada need for a competitive, prosperous future economy—and how do we make sure we have it? As demand for low-carbon energy surges globally, Canada’s role as a producer and exporter of critical minerals, electricity and more could come with big opportunities for workforce growth. The electricity sector is focused on how to train, upskill, and hire the workers needed to produce and distribute enough affordable electricity to meet projected demands. Critical mineral supply chains are facing similar issues, which could become even more challenging should efforts to responsibly speed mine approvals succeed.
Is Canada’s workforce ready to take advantage of the economic opportunities? How are industries planning to make sure they have a world-class skilled workforce? How will potential tariffs impact projections and plans? Join us for a conversation on the opportunities and critical challenges for workforce growth in two sectors that are key to a competitive, low-carbon Canada.
Co-Presented with
Personnes invitées
Dan Wicklum, PhD
Directeur général
Dr. Dan Wicklum possède 25 ans d’expérience dans la gestion de la recherche, le soutien à l’innovation et la promotion de la collaboration entre l’industrie, des gouvernements, des universités et de la société civile.
Il est le Directeur général de l’Accélérateur de transition, un organisme de bienfaisance pancanadien qui travaille avec des groupes dans tout le pays pour résoudre des problèmes commerciaux et sociaux tout en établissant des voies de transition viables vers un avenir carboneutre. Dan a également été le premier coprésident du Groupe consultatif pour la carboneutralité (GCPC), un groupe d’experts Canadiens indépendants qui conseille le gouvernement fédéral sur l’atteinte de la carboneutralité d’ici 2050 et sur les voies les plus probantes pour y parvenir.
Avant de se joindre à l’Accélérateur de transition, Dan était PDG de l’Alliance canadienne pour l’innovation dans le secteur des sables bitumineux (COSIA), directeur exécutif du Conseil canadien de l’innovation forestière et cadre supérieur à Environnement et Changement climatique Canada et à Ressources naturelles Canada. Il a été professeur adjoint de recherche à l’université du Montana, et détient un doctorat en écologie aquatique de l’université du Montana. Il a commencé sa carrière dans le football professionnel comme secondeur pour les Stampeders de Calgary et les Blue Bombers de Winnipeg.
Personnes invitées
Noel Baldwin
Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC)
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).
Michelle Branigan
CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)
Michelle is a prominent figure in the electricity and renewable energy sector, known for her expertise in labour market intelligence and HR best practices. As the leader of EHRC’s strategic direction, she has guided the organization to become a key source of valuable insights, programs, and resources that drive industry solutions.
A skilled moderator and commentator, Michelle has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Woman of the Year award from WiRE. She was also recognized at COP27 as one of the 100 Canadian women spearheading Canada’s energy transition and was honoured with the 2024 Impact Campaigner award in 2025 for her commitment to promoting gender diversity and equity within the energy sector.
Michelle actively serves on the Board of the Energy Council of Canada, the Bruce Power Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Irish Film Festival Ottawa in her spare time.
Vincent Caron
Vice President, Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Prior to joining CME, Vincent worked in the governments of Ontario and Canada for 15 years. He has worked for six federal ministers in various departments, including Industry Canada and Public Safety Canada, where he had primary responsibility for the implementation of the Canada/U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan.
He was also exposed to international trade issues as an advisor in the Corporate Affairs department of the LCBO, one of the world’s largest purchasers of beverage alcohol.
Originally from Quebec City, Vincent has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Bristol in England.
