Bill C-50 receives royal assent
by CM Staff
Over $99M invested in workforce skills for low-carbon economy.
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure Canadian workers and industries benefit from the global energy transition. Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, has received royal assent. This legislation aims to create sustainable jobs, support industries and communities across Canada, and help the workforce gain the necessary skills and tools.
Lana Payne, Unifor’s national Ppresident, said,”Bill C-50 addresses many of our union’s key recommendations by defining a sustainable job as including trade union representation as well as a collective agreement, and includes fair income, job security, social protection, and social dialogue.”
The key aspects of the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act include the following:
- Development of sustainable jobs action plans: Starting in 2025, these plans will deliver measures to advance job creation sustainably.
- Canada’s sustainable jobs secretariat: Established to ensure effective collaboration and policy coherence across federal entities.
- Sustainable jobs partnership council: Allows representatives of Indigenous organizations, labour, industry, and other groups to engage with Canadians and provide government advice.
- Alignment with the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (CNZEAA): Ensures accountability and considers labour implications of emissions targets.
- Regular progress reporting: Commits the government to report on progress, allowing Canadians to assess performance.
“Canadian workers and industries are seizing economic opportunities as we build thriving low-carbon industries and more sustainable communities. Today, as the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act becomes law, we are strengthening accountability while ensuring workers have a seat at the table as Canada advances toward a prosperous net-zero future,” Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources said.
The key investments include Sustainable Jobs Training Fund (SJTF) and Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). SJTF will help workers with over $99 million to upgrade and gain new skills for the low-carbon economy. ITCs incentives for clean technology, electricity, carbon management, and hydrogen sectors, with conditions for labor requirements, prevailing wages, and apprenticeship opportunities.
