Canada's initiative to fast-track major infrastructure projects is intensifying pressures on a labor force that is already struggling to keep pace with demand. Two Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs), who are instrumental in supporting the federal government's labor and industry policies, highlighted these issues during a panel discussion at a conference organized by the Future Skills Centre in Toronto on October 14, 2026.
Leslie Church, the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Jobs, asserted that the government's aggressive approach toward developing key nation-building projects is exacerbating long-standing weaknesses within Canada’s labor market. “We are out there trying to build – build quickly,” Church stated, reflecting the urgency of national initiatives aimed at energizing an economy under threat and diversifying into new markets. This push includes investments in transportation infrastructure and housing development, which she noted are fundamental to creating a robust economy. However, she pointed out that this urgency is placing "incredible pressure and strain" on the current workforce, and questioned, “Who does the building?”
Church emphasized that these labor force challenges are not a new phenomenon but have been exacerbated over the years by ongoing industrial and technological transformations. “This is a crucial challenge for us right now,” she remarked, explaining the growing disconnect between job-seeking individuals and industries that are in need of labor. She identified critical issues such as skill mismatches, training barriers, and other obstacles preventing the two groups from converging. “We are ships in the night in Canada,” Church explained, highlighting that many individuals are searching for employment with specific skills, while various industries continue to seek labor without finding a match.
To address these pressing concerns, Church indicated that the government intends to invest in apprenticeships and training programs as a means to accelerate workforce development. She underlined the need for collaboration between employers and educational institutions to ensure that training aligns more closely with labor market needs. The federal government has prioritized the development of major infrastructure and industrial projects within its economic agenda, aiming to bolster economic growth, attract investments, and reduce reliance on the United States. However, the ongoing challenges of a skilled labor shortage, training deficiencies, and skill mismatches persist, threatening these objectives.
Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Industry, noted a significant issue regarding Canadian employers' historical underinvestment in workforce skills development relative to other OECD countries. “There’s historic underinvestment in training by employers in Canada,” he explained, pointing out that while federal apprenticeship incentives are in place to nurture a more skilled workforce, employers also play a critical role in providing on-the-job training opportunities.
Bardeesy also highlighted ongoing gaps in interpersonal skills among workers, which he referred to as a "COVID hangover." He expressed concern that this deficit has been a lingering effect of the pandemic, impacting workplace interactions and performance. Furthermore, he urged universities and colleges to move beyond merely making small, incremental improvements in curriculum to better align with rapidly changing technology and the evolving needs of students. “The innovations on the margins are not going to be enough,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting educational models to address both technological advancements and the shifting profile of the student population.
As Canada attempts to accelerate the construction of major projects, these labor force issues loom large and have the potential to intensify, creating a significant challenge for the country’s economic future.
